Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, South Australia's Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, discusses his work to build Australian industry capability. Minister Pisoni begins by explaining why he chose to enter state politics following a career as furniture salesman and small business owner. The minister then discusses the South Australian government's work to stimulate the state economy and drive the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Minister Pisoni goes on to outline his portfolio responsibilities, providing insight into his work to build a future-ready workforce. The SA minister highlights the importance of encouraging young Australians to pursue vocational education in a bid to bolster Australian industry capability Finally, Minister Pisoni concludes by discussing South Australia's role in supporting the nation's shipbuilding industry, particularly as the home for Defence's Attack Class submarine and Hunter Class frigate programs.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Senator David Fawcett, chair of joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, discusses the government's newly released report on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia's foreign affairs, defence and trade.

Senator Fawcett discusses how the report tackles the broad issue of Australian sovereignty in critical national systems, from defence industry through to fuel and finance.

The Senator continues to discuss potential frameworks to achieve Australian sovereignty in these critical national systems in order to build national resilience.

Senator Fawcett ends by analysing the risks to Australia's national supply chain from a range of threats, both from allies and adversaries, and the Australia's necessary next steps.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

This week marked the 100-year anniversary of the RAAF, which culminated in one of the most ambitious flypasts attempted in years.

And a special occasion demands a special podcast. This week, host Phil Tarrant brings together Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn and Defence Connect's Liam Garman to discuss the past, present and future of our Air Force.

The team analyses how well equipped the RAAF is to deal with an uncertain period in the Indo-Pacific region, the government's huge investment in the larger ADF and whether we're likely to have a Royal Australian Space and Cyber Force in years to come.

Finally, the three discuss a very significant tribute from the Queen, who made a rare COVID appearance to celebrate the centenary.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Major Cate Carter, course designer, Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics at the Australian Defence College, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss findings from her research into the relationship between Defence and the broader community. MAJ Carter begins by discussing her career in the Australian Army, explaining how her deployment in East Timor influenced her decision to forge a new path in academia. The academic highlights the importance of building a scholarly community within the ADF, to help better inform future decision making. MAJ Carter then goes on to discuss findings from her doctoral thesis, which explores the cultural characteristics of the Australian civil/military relationship. Finally, she explains how learnings from her research can be applied to bridge the gap between the military and the civil space.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition's plan for Defence and defence industry. Swanson begins by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in politics after years in the media, and how she secured a leadership role in the Defence portfolio. The shadow assistant minister weighs in on the SEA 1000 program, and stresses the need for a clearer framework to ensure delivery of the Attack Class submarines aligns with the nation's strategic agenda. Swanson then goes on to outline the Labor opposition's broader plan to enhance capability by boosting defence spending as a proportion of GDP and further developing sovereign industrial capability. The MP concludes by noting the importance of encouraging more Australians to forge careers in Defence and defence industry, to ensure the next generation of platforms are equipped to meet the nation's national security objectives.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, head of navy engineering, joins host Phil Tarrant to recognise the contributions of women in Defence in celebration of International Women's Day. RADM Richards discusses her career journey, noting the shift in attitudes towards female participation in the Royal Australian Navy.

The 30-year veteran goes on to explain how female contributions to the warfighting effort have evolved, now playing a "central" role in achieving Australia's defence and national security objectives.

RADM Richards warns against complacency, noting the importance of ongoing work to entrench new norms in the culture of the Royal Australian Navy. The Rear Admiral concludes by discussing her role as head of Navy engineering, and her contribution to supporting Defence's strategic objectives.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, author and historian Dr Will Davies joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his passion for telling the stories of Australia's wartime past. Dr Davies explains why he decided to pursue a new career as an author of Australian history after spending almost 40 years in the documentary filmmaking industry. The author details his writing process, explaining how he turns an idea and in-depth research into a best-selling history book. Davies goes on to discuss the evolution of the Australian Defence Force and the development of local defence industry capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel, and Rob Orr, associate professor and director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, join host Phil Tarrant to discuss how they've collaborated to develop new technology for modern warfighters. Dixon discusses the evolution of the ADA business, and the importance of onshoring Australian manufacturing capability in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Orr discusses his transition from full-time service in the Australian Army to a senior academic role at Bond University's Tactical Research Unit. The pair then go on to explain how they've collaborated to identify solutions to address key pain points among defence and emergency services personnel. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Mark Burgess, managing director and CEO of Quickstep, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his firm's growing contribution to Australian Industry Capability.

Burgess explains how Quickstep has transformed in recent years to become one of Australia's most promising defence and aerospace companies, supporting key Defence projects, including the Joint Strike Fighter program.

The CEO also discusses the importance of building Australia's sovereign industrial capability, noting how Quickstep is working to foster greater local participation in the defence industry supply chain.

Finally, Burgess unveils how the ASX-listed company plans to leverage its recent acquisition of a Boeing subsidiary to support Quickstep's growth ambitions.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, retired Rear Admiral Clint Thomas CSC, managing director of award-winning business Serco Defence, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss how his business is meeting the needs of the maritime industry. RADM Thomas outlines how Serco's current $1.5 billion suite of maritime projects are helping to support naval capability both domestically and internationally. The MD also explains how Serco has adapted to the changing operational environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he expects recent challenges to shape the future of the defence industry. RADM Thomas goes on to discuss recruitment challenges in the space, outlining how Serco has sought to gain an advantage over its competitors to attract new talent. Finally, the Navy veteran reveals Serco Defence's next steps, explaining how the business aims to grow and evolve to ensure it continues to offer industry-leading services.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team