Australia’s 2026–27 Defence Budget commits the Commonwealth to spending approximately $181.9 million on defence every day. This report examines the Australian Government’s progress with, and spending on, the 2026 National Defence Strategy and the updated Integrated Investment Program. The series has, year after year, assessed what governments said they would do against what the books...

Climate change is not only warming the planet but also increasing humidity. This report focuses primarily on the broad category of extreme humid-heat events. The report’s main objective is to show that the impacts aren’t isolated: they cascade through societies, magnified by other climate hazards, such as storms and flooding.

A capable sovereign submarine capability is a core requirement for Australia’s defence over the next two decades, and there are known risks that could prevent that happening. This report proposes that Australia should explore the backup option of leasing or acquiring advanced conventional submarine capability from Japan.

This report analyses how Australia can translate its strategic focus on the north into operational capability and sustained defence outcomes. It argues for treating the north as an integrated operating system capable of generating, sustaining and scaling combat power. The report highlights key constraints and the need for stronger alignment across defence, government and industry.

A curated selection of analysis exploring the growing strategic importance of critical minerals, supply chains and industrial capability. A central theme is the role of northern Australia, particularly Darwin, as a strategic platform where energy, infrastructure, logistics and defence posture converge. It examines how Australia and its partners can move from systemic exposure to enduring...