Seeing the unseen: why geospatial intelligence is important

Seeing the unseen: why geospatial intelligence is important

Author: ANU National Security College November 6, 2025 Duration: 41:57

What are the origins of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO), and how has the organisation developed within the National Intelligence Community? 

How does AGO contribute to the broader remit of Australian statecraft, the work done by other NIC agencies, and the Five Eyes partnership? 

What makes innovation in the geospatial intelligence space key to building resilience? 

 

In this episode Kathryn McMullan joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the importance of geospatial intelligence, how it contributes to statecraft, and how the AGO works with other partners to enhance national security and resilience. 

 

Kathryn McMullan is the Director of AGO. 

Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College. 

 

TRANSCRIPT 


Show Notes:  

AGO | National Intelligence Community 

Five Eyes wide shut: now is the wrong time to pause in shaping Australia’s intelligence agencies


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.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The National Security Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Australia’s role in regional cyber resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:21
What is the nexus between domestic and regional cyber security? How does Australia help regional neighbours manage and respond to cyber threats? And how will shield six of the Australian government’s new cyber strategy c…
How the role of OSINT will change in a landscape of data abundance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:09
What is open-source intelligence (OSINT)?How does big data influence our understanding of “good” intelligence? And does Australia need a dedicated OSINT agency in the National Intelligence Community? In this episode, Dr…
Why Indo-Pacific maritime security matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:00
What is the significance of the Indian Ocean in Indo-Pacific security?Is it useful to distinguish between traditional and non-traditional maritime threats?And how might the AUKUS agreement reshape maritime security in th…
Why big tech is now in the geopolitical driver’s seat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:02
Technological innovation is now one of the most consequential realms of geopolitical contestation. And in the era of big tech, the private sector has assumed power that once resided with governments. In response, we’ve s…
The changing nature of violent extremism: challenges in a new age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:19
How has violent extremism evolved in recent decades? Why do the words used to discuss and describe extremism matter so much? And what challenges will governments, communities and individuals face in combating these threa…
Bots, trolls and geopolitics: examining the dark side of social media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:49
While social media has many benefits, there are a growing number of users – both human and machine – spreading harmful disinformation and misinformation on these networks. What is the difference between disinformation an…
Taiwan’s 2024 elections: what you need to know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:36
As Taiwan’s 2024 elections draw near, who are the key candidates and what are they offering? How might China respond to a change of government? And what are the main risks and opportunities for Australia? In this episode…
National security oversight: who watches the watchers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:11
How can whistle-blowers contribute to Australia’s national security? What roles do parliamentary committees and the courts play in national security oversight? And how should national security and secrecy be balanced wit…
How artificial intelligence is changing the rules of policymaking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:36
What was achieved at the recent AI Safety Summit, hosted by the United Kingdom? How do the geopolitics of technology now impact economies and societies? And how can governments equip themselves better to handle these com…

«1...678910