“The future is expensive” – managing cost-of-living while investing in security

“The future is expensive” – managing cost-of-living while investing in security

Author: ANU National Security College May 14, 2026 Duration: 39:35

How should government balance national preparedness with cost-of-living pressures? 

Can Australia strengthen fuel security, defence capability and supply chain resilience without undermining productivity and living standards? 

How do economic pressures, housing stress and inequality shape public trust – and what does that mean for national security? 


In this episode, Aruna Sathanapally, Richard Denniss and Michael Stutchbury join Rory Medcalf to examine the intersection of national security, economic pressure and social resilience. 

 

Dr Richard Denniss is co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Australia Institute. 

Dr Aruna Sathanapally is CEO at the Grattan Institute. 

Michael Stutchbury is Executive Director at The Centre for Independent Studies. 

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


Note: this episode was recorded at NSC’s Securing our Future: a ready and resilient Australia conference on 24 March 2026. 

TRANSCRIPT 


Show notes:  

 

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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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