No worries? What Australians think about security, risk and resilience

No worries? What Australians think about security, risk and resilience

Author: ANU National Security College April 2, 2026 Duration: 45:18

Why do Australians place peaceful and safe communities above more traditional security priorities?

Why are AI-enabled attacks, economic crises, supply chain shocks and disinformation rising above more conventional threats in public concern?

Why do many Australians want more transparency and information from trusted agencies, while also feeling overwhelmed by the information environment?

Why do so few Australians think the country is fully prepared for major threats, and what does that preparedness gap mean for government and industry?


In this episode, Rory Medcalf, Tom Rogers and Tim Wilford join Sally Bulkeley to discuss the findings of NSC’s Community Consultations Report – Australia's first comprehensive research report, examining Australian attitudes to national security, and perceptions of risk and resilience.


Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. 

Tom Rogers is the former Australian Electoral Commissioner and a Distinguished Advisor at NSC.

Tim Wilford is Director, Community Consultations at NSC.

Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at NSC.


TRANSCRIPT


Show notes

·     NSC academic programs – find out more 

·     Community Consultations Findings Report

·     Engagement Report

·     First Nations Report

·     The security gap Australia can’t afford to ignore


We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.


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Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
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