Australia is entering one of the most challenging strategic environments in decades. But is our defence industry ready?In this special episode of Talking Tactics, Mel Pikos sits down with Shadow Minister for Defence, Senator James Paterson, to discuss the future of Australia's national security, defence industry, and military preparedness.The conversation explores Australia's defence manufacturing capability, the biggest capability gaps facing the Australian Defence Force, the impact of AUKUS, workforce and industrial challenges, and the lessons Australia should be drawing from recent global conflicts. They also discuss whether Australia is moving quickly enough to prepare for an increasingly uncertain Indo-Pacific.Whether you're interested in defence policy, national security, or Australia's strategic future, this interview provides an in-depth look at the issues shaping the country's defence debate.What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Australia's defence industry? Let us know in the comments below.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in Australia's future.00:00 Senator James Paterson01:27 How Prepared Is Australia for a Potential Conflict02:36 What Are Our Capability Gaps?03:39 How Do We Get Defence Manufacturing Back in Australia?05:16 Is Our Missile Defence Up to Scratch?07:21 Was the China ICBM Test a Provocation?08:14 Was the Chinese Circumnavigation of Australia a Problem? 10:02 What Capabilities Should Australia Acquire Besides Nuclear Submarines?11:55 What else should AUKUS Give Us Besides Submarines?13:38 Should We Be Defending Our Cities With Missile Batteries?14:36 What Would Coalition Defence Spending Look Like?16:52 Should Australia acquire nuclear weapons?18:27 Should We Be Deprioritising Our Relationship With the United States19:59 How Can We Shore Up Fuel Security?22:27 What Key Industries Should We Cultivate?24:30 How Can We Fix Defence Recruitment?#Australia #Defence #ADF #AUKUS #JamesPaterson #NationalSecurity #AustralianPolitics #Military #DefenceIndustry #TalkingTactics---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] business or sponsorship enquiries, please email [email protected] ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

Australia's future nuclear-powered submarines may grab the headlines, but before we can build them, we first have to build the shipyard capable of constructing them.In this episode of Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos, we take a look at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and the Albanese Government's latest $4.6 billion investment, bringing total funding for the precinct to more than $8.5 billion.We'll explore what's actually being built at Osborne, why this investment is so significant, and how it will transform Australia into a nation capable of building and sustaining nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come.We also examine:• What the new funding will pay for• The timeline for the Virginia-class and SSN-AUKUS submarines• Why Australian steel is now entering the US submarine supply chain• Western Australia's growing role in supporting Australia's future submarine fleet• Why industrial capability may be one of the most important legacies of AUKUSThe submarines may be the end product, but the real story is the industry being built behind them.What do you think? Is investing in Australia's defence industry just as important as buying the platforms themselves? Let us know in the comments.If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe and share it with someone interested in Australian defence, national security and strategic policy.00:00 A Huge Upgrade 01:07 The Osborne Naval Shipyard01:53 The $4.6 Billion Upgrade Announcement03:44 What's Being Built at Osborne05:05 Australian Steel and Other Announcements#AUKUS #Australia #Submarines #Defence #RoyalAustralianNavy #SSNAUKUS #VirginiaClass #SouthAustralia #Osborne #NationalSecurity---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] business or sponsorship enquiries, please email [email protected] ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

Australia is spending hundreds of billions of dollars on submarines, missiles and warships. But what happens if we run out of fuel?Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has unveiled a vision to strengthen Australia's sovereign fuel industry by drilling, refining and storing more oil domestically. Supporters argue it would improve fuel security, create jobs and strengthen Australia's defence resilience. Critics say it risks locking Australia into fossil fuels and that the future lies in electrification and renewable energy.In this episode of Talking Tactics, we examine whether fuel security should be treated as critical defence infrastructure. We look at Australia's dependence on imported refined fuel, the proposal to develop projects like the Taroom Trough, the case for new oil refineries and strategic fuel reserves, and whether rebuilding Australia's fuel supply chain would genuinely improve national security.Because in modern warfare, victory isn't just about who has the best weapons. It's also about who can keep them running.00:00 Australia Is Running out of Fuel 01:37 The Fuel Front03:45 The Crisafuelli Oil Plan04:41 Drill, Baby, Drill06:20 Refine and Restore08:34 A Strategic Stockpile09:16 Will This Increase Australia's National Security? #fuelcrisis #ausdefence #oil ---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] business or sponsorship enquiries, please email [email protected] ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

The latest AUKUS announcement has raised a lot of questions, with some commentators claiming the agreement is beginning to unravel. In this video, I break down what's actually changed, why Australia is now set to receive three refurbished Virginia-class submarines, and whether this is really bad news for Australia's defence.I also explain why AUKUS is about much more than submarines. I take a look at the cutting-edge technologies being developed under Pillar II, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technology and cyber warfare, and discuss how these projects could transform Australia's military long before the first SSN-AUKUS submarine enters service.Finally, I tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding Australia's defence strategy: should Australia develop nuclear weapons? I explain why I don't think that's necessary, and why capabilities like B-21 bombers, Tomahawk missiles, long-range strike weapons and nuclear-powered submarines can provide a powerful deterrent without Australia becoming a nuclear weapons state.00:00 Are the AUKUS Subs Dead in the Water?02:10 The AUKUS Update04:39 More Than Just Submarines06:36 The Evolution of the Alliance09:22 To Nuke or Not To Nuke?If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of AUKUS and Australia's defence strategy.#AUKUS #Australia #Defence #Geopolitics #Military #Submarines #VirginiaClass #SSNAUKUS #China #IndoPacific #NationalSecurity #TalkingTactics---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] business or sponsorship enquiries, please email [email protected] ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

China has launched a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile across the Pacific from a ballistic missile submarine. While Beijing insists it was a routine military exercise, the test has sparked concern across the Indo-Pacific, with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, Palau and Kiribati all expressing alarm.In this episode of Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos, we break down exactly what happened, why this missile test is so strategically significant, and what message China was trying to send.We also examine the newly signed Ocean of Peace Alliance between Australia and Fiji. Is this a landmark step towards a stronger Pacific security architecture, or just symbolic diplomacy in the face of China's growing military presence?Finally, we discuss what Australia's response should be. Should the Albanese Government increase military patrols in the Pacific? Should we fast-track missile defence, anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance? And is Australia doing enough to deter future strategic coercion in our region?If you enjoy detailed analysis of Australian defence, geopolitics and national security, don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos.What do you think? Was China's missile test simply routine military training, or was it a deliberate strategic message to Australia and its allies? And how should Australia respond? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.00:00 China Sends A Warning Shot02:01 The Missile Test04:30 The Ocean of Peace Alliance08:15 What We Should Do In Response#Australia #China #Defence #Military #ICBM #Pacific #Fiji #OceanOfPeaceAlliance #ADF #Geopolitics #NationalSecurity #AUKUS #TalkingTactics #MelPikos---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] business or sponsorship enquiries, please email [email protected] ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

Labor's 2026 Budget introduced the biggest overhaul of Capital Gains Tax in almost 30 years.

The government says the changes will make the tax system fairer, improve housing affordability and raise billions of dollars to fund income tax cuts.

Critics say it will discourage investment, hurt small business, punish entrepreneurs and make Australia less competitive.

In this episode of Talking Tactics, I break down exactly what Labor announced, the concessions they've already been forced to make, and why I think the policy ultimately earns a D Tier rating on The Scorecard.

I also sit down with Geoff Wilson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Wilson Asset Management, to get his take on the reforms and the impact they could have on Australian investors, businesses and the broader economy.

Full Interview with Geoff Wilson: https://youtu.be/ND8_JE5GOZg

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pruAJSDREV3pgB4tj8ZJU?si=6c3b9aff7c714666

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tactics-with-mel-pikos/id1609902535

In this episode:

00:00 A Band Aid on a Gunshot Wound

02:08 What Labor Announced on Budget Night

05:04 The Government Retreats

06:49 The Scorecard on CGT

18:22 Mel's Call

What do you think?

Is this the kind of structural tax reform Australia has needed for decades?

Or is it a step too far that risks slowing investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

#Australia #Politics #Tax #CapitalGainsTax #CGT #NegativeGearing #Budget2026 #JimChalmers #AnthonyAlbanese #Economics #Business #Investing #Housing #TalkingTactics

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Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events.

Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC.

TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy | Leasing Advisory | Workplace Design | Furniture Advisory | Fitout Construction. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected]

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What do Labor's proposed capital gains tax changes really mean for Australian investors?In this episode of Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos, Mel sits down with renowned investor, philanthropist and shareholder advocate Geoff Wilson to unpack one of the most significant tax reform proposals in decades.As the founder and chairman of Wilson Asset Management, Geoff has become one of the leading voices opposing the Federal Government's plans to replace the long-standing 50% capital gains tax discount with a new indexation-based system. He argues the changes could have far-reaching consequences for investors, retirees, small business owners and Australia's broader investment landscape.In this wide-ranging discussion, Mel and Geoff explore:• What Labor's proposed CGT changes actually involve• Who stands to gain and who stands to lose• The potential impact on investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth• How the reforms could affect retirees and self-funded investors• Why Geoff believes the changes should be reconsidered• The broader debate about tax reform and fairness in AustraliaWhether you support the proposed reforms or oppose them, this conversation provides an important perspective on a policy that could reshape the way Australians invest and build wealth.What do you think? Are Labor's proposed capital gains tax changes necessary reform, or will they create unintended consequences for Australia's economy and investors?Let us know in the comments.#TalkingTactics #MelPikos #GeoffWilson #CapitalGainsTax #CGT #AustralianPolitics #AustralianEconomy #Investing #TaxReform #WilsonAssetManagement---Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design| Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikos@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

Are Punters Politics, David Pocock and the Greens lying to you about their 25% Gas Export Tax proposal?In this episode of Talking Tactics, I take a deep dive into one of the biggest debates in Australian politics right now: should Australia introduce a 25% tax on gas exports?You’ve probably heard the claim that “beer is taxed more than gas”, or that Australia is giving away its natural resources for free. But when you actually dig into how the gas industry works, the story becomes a lot more complicated.In this video, I break down:• How Australia’s gas industry is currently taxed• Why LNG projects are some of the most expensive industrial projects on Earth• The difference between a revenue tax and a profits tax• Why comparisons with Norway and Qatar are often misleading• The economic risks of dramatically increasing taxes on gas exports• The role of think tanks, activists, the Greens and independent politicians in shaping the debateThis isn’t a left vs right culture war video. It’s an attempt to look at the economics, investment realities and long-term strategic consequences of major policy decisions.If you enjoy detailed discussions about Australian public policy, energy, infrastructure, defence and economics, subscribe to Talking Tactics for more.#Australia #Gas #EnergyPolicy #LNG #AustralianPolitics #Economics #PublicPolicy #TalkingTactics00:00 A Coordinated Push00:51 The Claim That Started It All02:41 Who's Behind This?04:49 Why a 25% Revenue Tax Kills Every Project07:16 The Norway Myth08:44 The Reservation Trap11:00 The Conservative Alternative13:03 The Bottom Line---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy | Leasing Advisory | Workplace Design | Furniture Advisory | Fitout Construction. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTalking Tactics with Mel Pikos on FacebookTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

Australia’s 2026 Federal Budget has ignited a political firestorm, and in this episode I break down why this could become one of the most consequential and controversial budgets in modern Australian political history.From negative gearing reforms and housing affordability, to migration, taxation, productivity, and the future of aspiration in Australia, this episode examines the deeper structural questions now facing the country.Has the Albanese Government abandoned the aspirational middle class?Will these policies actually help young Australians enter the housing market?Or is Australia drifting toward a future where wealth creation becomes harder, investment leaves the country, and productivity continues to stagnate?00:00 You Are The Mug00:21 The Broken Promise01:49 The Attack on Inspiration02:56 The Intergenerational Equity Lie04:05 The Real Problem They Won't Touch05:25 The Brain DrainWhat do you think?Did this budget help Australia’s future, or damage it? Comment below.#Australia #FederalBudget #NegativeGearing ---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy | Leasing Advisory | Workplace Design | Furniture Advisory | Fitout Construction. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTalking Tactics with Mel Pikos on FacebookTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

One of Australia’s most decorated soldiers is now at the centre of one of the most serious legal cases in the country’s history.Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions in Afghanistan and became a national symbol of military courage and service. But years after leaving the battlefield, allegations surrounding his conduct began to emerge, leading to a high-profile defamation case and, more recently, criminal charges.In this episode of Talking Tactics, we break down the full story.From his service in the Special Air Service Regiment and the actions that led to his military honours, to his post-service career and the landmark defamation trial that reshaped public perception. And finally, the latest developments, including his arrest and the war crimes charges that will now be tested in court.This is not just the story of one individual.It raises broader questions about military accountability, the realities of modern warfare, and how a nation responds when allegations are made against its own elite forces.This episode focuses on the facts, the timeline, and the context behind one of the most significant legal and military stories in modern Australian history.#benrobertssmith #adf #warcrimes ---00:00 Ben Roberts-Smith01:22 Service History03:21 Australia's Most Decorated Living Soldier03:47 The Shah Wali Kot Offensive07:49 Post Military Service and Defamation09:39 War Crimes and Arrest11:09 What Do I Think? 13:14 What Do You Think?---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy | Leasing Advisory | Workplace Design | Furniture Advisory | Fitout Construction. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTalking Tactics with Mel Pikos on FacebookTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok