Defence Connect Podcast

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Liam Garman, and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how Australia’s shifting information and economic environment is deepening social rifts and reshaping national security. Tarrant opens with the housing debate, questioning whether allowing buyers into the market with just a 5 per cent deposit strengthens opportunity or fuels instability. Garman warns that financial strain on younger Australians could erode national unity. The conversation turns to data sovereignty and AI infrastructure, and how Australia must strengthen data protection and build infrastructure capable of expanding a sovereign AI industry. The hosts also explore the evolving information and cyber domain, warning that influence operations and online manipulation are amplifying social division, examining a number of online influence campaigns. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and how companies are prioritising it over staff, a brutal new ransomware operation publishing the data of young children, and the Department of Home Affairs looking to fill the new Cyber Incident Review Board. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing the latest educational AI at the University of New England. The pair then discuss the threat to their favourite podcast beer, Asahi, which has halted production in Japan following a cyber attack. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack and the car maker’s long-awaited restoration of manufacturing. Finally, the two discuss the Cyber Incident Review Board, which is currently looking for members. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

A truly hard-hitting discussion of challenges and triumphs in the Defence community. In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Tash Taylor sits down with Families of Veterans Guild CEO Renee Wilson, board chair Tricia Hobson as well as board director and interim deputy chair Jennifer Collins. The group takes a look back at the roots of the establishment of War Widows Guild in NSW in June 1946 and how support for veterans and their families has progressed since then. They also unpack the personal stories behind supporting serving personnel and their families. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth talk about NSWEduChat, a virtual Charlie Kirk, the impact of a cyber incident disrupting airports across Europe, and how Australian not-for-profits are getting a new tool to face a rising tide of ransomware attacks. Croft and Hollingworth open proceedings with Instagram’s new AI age assurance checks then talk about the new AI tool being rolled out to NSW public school students and how promising it looks. The pair also discuss the ramifications of creating a deepfake of Charlie Kirk to address packed crowds at US megachurches in the wake of his murder and about a data leak on a website set up by American conservatives to out anyone speaking ill of Kirk. They also share an update on the Jaguar Land Rover hack which is still disrupting production in the UK and walk through a ransomware attack that has crippled a string of major European airports. Finally, Hollingworth and Croft find some good news, with NSW enacting legislation to t

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, managing editor Steve Kuper speaks with Andrew Henderson, director of AgSecure and a leading voice on agricultural resilience, biosecurity, and national preparedness. Together, they explore the recently released National Food Security Strategy discussion paper, the importance of critical inputs like fuel and fertiliser, the implications of trade disputes, and the growing need to integrate food systems into defence planning. The pair also discuss why food security is no longer just an agricultural issue – it’s a national security imperative. With global supply chains under pressure, climate risks mounting, and adversaries willing to target agricultural systems through biosecurity breaches or even agroterrorism, Australia faces a complex challenge in safeguarding the nation’s food and fibre production. From the risks of varroa mite and foot and mouth disease to the opportunities of regional self-reliance and biotechnology, Henderson outlines why food security must

In this episode, host Steve Kuper sits down with Benjamin Rice, managing director at Coherics, to unpack the critical role of training and simulation in preparing the Australian Defence Force and its allies for the challenges of modern warfare. From the vast live-fire exercises of Talisman Sabre to the increasingly vital domains of cyber, space and multi-domain operations, the conversation explores how realistic training environments are evolving to keep pace with technological change and operational demands. Drawing on his extensive Air Force career and industry expertise, Rice provides unique insights into the blending of live, synthetic and constructive training, and the importance of innovation in getting capability into the hands of the warfighter faster. Together, they examine the future of training – from gaming-inspired immersion and augmented reality to tailored, on-demand learning solutions designed to accelerate readiness – and the cultural and institutional shifts required to make it all possible.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and its incorporation in Australian education, the latest from ransomware operators targeting Australian organisations, and the alleged retirement of Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing UNSW and its partnership with OpenAI, which will see 10,000 licenses rolled out to students. The pair then discuss new and older ransomware gangs, with a new sophisticated ransomware operation called The Gentlemen coming out of the gates strong, while Kairos continues to harm Australian businesses. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack, which has led to increased factory operation delays. Finally, the two discuss action by eSafety to introduce new safeguards in the popular online game Roblox to protect children from predators, a move that Roblox seems to be complying with. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

What happens when a woman with the “how hard can it be” gene takes on the male-dominated world of cyber and national security? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Tash Taylor sits down with Niru Verma, partner at Excelium, to unpack the twists and turns of her career – from 11 years in the APS to launching her own business, to leading teams in one of Canberra’s fastest-growing cyber firms. With candour and warmth, Niru shares how Post-it notes on her wall shaped her career goals, why authenticity matters more than conformity, and how mentorship can change the trajectory of women’s careers in STEM. This is a story of resilience, problem-solving, and redefining leadership in the technical industry. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Peter Behrendt, managing director of defence for Serco Asia-Pacific, to unpack the role of Serco in supporting the Royal Australian Navy. They discuss the countdown to Indo Pacific 2025, with much of the spotlight falling on Australia’s maritime capabilities – particularly with the recent announcement of the evolved Mogami Class frigates and the impact these advanced vessels are expected to have as the future backbone of the Royal Australian Navy. They also discuss Serco’s contribution across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of around 2,500 employees spanning 85 sites, Serco delivers critical services for the Australian Defence Force, from logistics and training to medical support. The company also plays a direct role in supporting the RAN across major bases, including Darwin, Cairns, Stirling, and Garden Island in Sydney. In this episode, we also dive into: Serco’s operation of the Nuyina, Australia’s cuttin

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI news, concerning developments in the world of cyber crime, and recommendations by the Law Council of Australia regarding the next phase of the nation’s Cyber Security Strategy. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing eSafety and changes made to the Online Safety Act to ensure that young children are less vulnerable to the dangers of sexually explicit and other AI chatbots. The pair then discuss the dramatic increase in ransomware attacks worldwide and in Australia, as well as the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s alarm over a year-old vulnerability being exploited against Australian organisations. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack, with data now confirmed compromised and an impact that could last until at least next month. Finally, the two discuss the Law Council of Australia’s recommendations for Horizon 2 of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the Honourable Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for home affairs, for a hard-hitting discussion on the shifting nature of Australia’s national security challenges. No longer confined to conventional defence or counter-terrorism, the security debate now spans economic sovereignty, industrial security, and social cohesion. Against the backdrop of recent revelations of Iranian espionage attempts on Australian soil, Hastie warns that hostile foreign actors are probing Australia’s vulnerabilities, not only in cyber space and critical infrastructure, but in the trust that underpins our diverse society. Throughout the conversation, Hastie shares how his perspective has sharpened since stepping into the shadow portfolio following his time as shadow minister for Defence. He outlines the emerging contest for resilience – whether in defending supply chains, protecting advanced technologies, or insulating the national economy from coercion. K

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andrew Forbes, chief growth officer, and Cher Min Teo, campaign director for capability assurance, training and simulation at QinetiQ Australia, to discuss the role of Australia's sovereign test and evaluation capabilities and the role it plays in sharpening Australia's defence capability. With Australia at a pivotal moment in its defence evolution – shaped by the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, and the Defence Industry Development Strategy – the conversation explores how test, evaluation, and mission rehearsal environments are becoming central to future force readiness. Together, Forbes and Teo unpack the role QinetiQ Australia is playing in advancing sovereign capability, with a particular focus on the Phoenix uncrewed aerial system. Originally developed as a training target, Phoenix has evolved into a versatile platform supporting the Army, Navy, and A

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the latest AI news, some worrying trends in cyber crime, and this year’s largest supply chain hack, impacting hundreds of companies worldwide. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off by looking at the NSW government embracing AI and the federal government’s timely move to ban deepfake “nudify” apps that are being used to bully and harrass. The pair then catch up with the latest cyber crime news, from the wide-ranging Salesloft Drift hacks that have impacted companies like Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks, to a brazen local hack that’s seen delicate health data published online by unscrupulous ransomware operators. Hollingworth and Croft wind things up with some mostly good news, with an AI stethoscope potentially a game changer for heart health, and an international operation to take down a fake ID marketplace. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the escalating role of information warfare in today’s conflicts. From the mobile phone’s transformation into a weapon to the blurred lines between propaganda and “information operations”, the team dissects how truth itself has become contested ground. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating a “post-truth” world dominated by political tribalism, misinformation, and the weaponisation of narratives. The hosts reflect on conflicts such as Gaza, where competing lobbies and real-time social media footage shape global perceptions. They also examine Australia’s role within the Five Eyes alliance, including revelations of restricted intelligence sharing around the Ukraine peace talks – a development that could reshape international cooperation and Canberra’s strategic outlook. The team rounds out the discussion with broader geopolitical and domestic challenges, from US talk of m

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards’ Female Defence Leader of the Year (SME), Sarah Bailey, to discuss the nature of leadership, courage, and opportunity as the chief executive of PentenAmio Australia. Bailey has previously held senior leadership roles at EY, Australia Post, and National Australia Bank and has served on the advisory board of the University of Canberra. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry, including: Bailey’s experience winning the Female Defence Leader of the Year (SME) award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. Her philosophy on leadership and conflict resolution, as well as the challenges of managing the merger of Penten and Amiosec in May this year. Business life as a female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated sector of business, such as the defence industry. Bailey’s mentors and the people who have inspired and helped al

How do you forge a trailblazing path and rise to leadership in the Australian Defence Force? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Tash Taylor sits down with Rear Admiral Letitia Van Stralen, head of Military Personnel for the Australian Defence Force. ADML Van Stralen shares how her 30-year journey began with a law degree, which led her to being one of the first women on a Navy destroyer, evolving into senior leadership roles shaping the future of the ADF. From mentoring young women, navigating deployments, and building supportive networks to advocating for diversity and inclusion across the force, ADML Van Stralen opens up about the resilience, determination, and opportunities that have defined her career. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss a pair of lawsuits targeting ChatGPT’s maker, cyber crime news, and one US politician’s novel solution to combat hackers. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off by addressing a pair of lawsuits targeting OpenAI and the tragic case of a teenager who was allegedly aided in their suicide by ChatGPT’s advice. The pair then catch up with the latest news: from a string of cyber attacks that targeted Western Sydney University to Google’s warning of increased Iranian cyber attacks and a round-up of this week’s local ransomware attacks targeting Aussie businesses. Hollingworth and Croft end the podcast discussing Australia’s “right to disconnect” laws and the bold plan of one American politician to bring back the Age of Sail’s letters of marque to recruit cyber privateers. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Heston Russell – a public speaker, author and former Australian Special Forces officer – to discuss the 2025 Veteran Games and the recent regional heat held in Darwin on 22 August and later this year on the Gold Coast (11 and 12 October). Russell has previously served in 2nd Commando Regiment as a Commando Platoon commander, was deployed to four combat operational deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, served in Iraq as a Special Operations joint lead planner within the Special Operations Joint Task Force and completed a year-long exchange within the United States Special Operations Command. He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of NSW, majoring in history and Indonesian. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: The Veteran Games, veterans support services and why Russell founded the games in 2022 in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Returning home and

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Kane Dury from Discover Buyers Agency and Liam Garman, editor of Smart Property Investment, tackle the property questions that Australian Defence Force members can’t afford to ignore. They explore how the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest rate cut could impact borrowing capacity and why understanding these shifts early gives Defence buyers an edge. The duo emphasise the power of expert guidance – from mortgage brokers who compare multiple lenders to accountants and buyer’s agents who know how to avoid costly traps. Dury also sheds light on the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) entitlements, explaining how both active and Reservist members can use them to unlock new investment opportunities. From the growing popularity of rentvesting to upcoming changes in first home buyer schemes, the episode equips ADF personnel with strategies to balance lifestyle and long-term wealth creation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty sits down with Harry Hickling, managing director at APV Corporation, to discuss the importance of rigorous testing and evaluation in the evolving landscape of defence and automotive industries. Hickling takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing how the company runs laboratory tests on military and civilian-focused vehicles, ensuring automotive equipment doesn’t compromise safety systems. The podcast also focuses on APV Engineering and Testing Services’ (APV-T) use of advanced simulation technology to run thousands of virtual test scenarios, reducing development costs and time to market. The pair also discuss the broader implications of simulation in defence, where it’s helping to de-risk expensive and challenging testing scenarios. APV is growing its international presence and the company’s expanding its staff to meet the increasing demand for simulation expertise. The episode wraps up with an invitation for engineer