The maritime gateway: ports and border security

The maritime gateway: ports and border security

Author: ANU National Security College August 20, 2026 Duration: 44:59

How do ports sustain Australia’s economy, border security and defence preparedness?

What are the biggest strategic challenges facing Australian ports?

What role do ports play in combating organised crime and protecting Australia’s borders?

What partnership, policy or capability would most improve Australia’s port security now?

 

In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Mike Gallacher and Mike Outram about the role of ‘ports’ as critical infrastructure and the challenges of protecting Australia’s maritime supply chains.

 

Michael Gallacher is Chief Executive Officer at Ports Australia.

Michael Outram is the former Australian Border Force Commissioner and Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC).

Sharryn Parker is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence.

 

TRANSCRIPT

 

Show notes:

·     NSC academic programs – find out more

·     Beyond the Checkpoint by Mike Outram

 

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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