There is no more important task for government than protecting the security, interests and livelihoods of its people. Accordingly, the Albanese Government commissioned this independent review to assess whether Australia has the necessary defence capability, posture and preparedness to best defend Australia and its interests in the strategic environment the nation now faces.

On 28 June 2012, the Prime Minister (Julia Gillard) and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship (Chris Bowen) announced that the Government had invited Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Ret’d), the former chief of Australia’s defence force, to lead an expert panel to provide a report on the best way forward for Australia...