Developed in response to last year’s Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy outlines the Australian Government’s strategic framework to guide the significant and urgent changes required to address Australia’s challenging strategic circumstances. Together, the Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program provide a blueprint to deliver an ambitious transformation of the Australian Defence Force.

The Australian Government requested this independent analysis to assess the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet capability to ensure its size, structure and composition complemented the capabilities of the forthcoming conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

The Colvin Review was commissioned to improve disaster funding arrangements. A total of 47 recommendations were made under the themes of: Commonwealth role and coordination, a National Natural Disaster Outcomes Policy, an evidence-informed, risk-based approach, program reforms, non-government and community sector.

Australia’s federal system of governance, where the roles and responsibilities for emergency management are split between three levels of government, creates a unique set of challenges revolving around coordination, communication and cooperation that must be overcome to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Australia’s disaster response arrangements. This report explores a range of issues highlighting...

This final report is the culmination of three years of inquiry into the suicide crisis in Australia's Defence and veteran population. It contains analysis of complex cultural and systemic issues relevant to suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. The report includes 122 recommendations which form the Royal Commission's blueprint for...

This report reviews international experience of national resilience strategies, planning and processes, to find lessons for Australia. It also examines a series of case studies in which national resilience has (or has not) proved instrumental in the weathering of crises.

Cybercrime is a persistent and disruptive threat, and the impact on small businesses and individuals are increasing. This report details how malicious state and non-state cyber actors are targeting Australian governments, critical infrastructure, businesses and individuals for the purposes of espionage, disruption and financial gain. The report offers recommendations for individuals, organisations and critical infrastructure...

In this paper, the author addresses the importance of preparedness in Australia and the need to reform national disaster response capability. The author also highlights the compounding dimensions of the challenges — from climate change, to geopolitical threats and risks to social cohesion — as well as the corresponding opportunities for reform of traditional security...

This review notes a range of areas for improvement in the Department of Home Affairs, including prioritising its focus on addressing stronger joined-up governance arrangements, clarifying and improving the working arrangements between the Australian Border Force and the broader department, and leadership development.

This discussion paper seeks to canvass options for an Australian ‘cyber intelligence and information militia’. The discussion is focused on structural and organisational issues regarding such a body, as well as the roles it can play, the risks involved and the key legal considerations.