Why organised crime is now a national security threat

Why organised crime is now a national security threat

Author: ANU National Security College February 5, 2026 Duration: 35:57

Why has serious and organised crime – estimated to cost Australia $82.3 billion each year – become a national security issue? How is the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) responding to this?

What are the linkages between state actors and transnational and serious organised crime in Australia?

What is the role of ACIC and other intelligence organisations in combating transnational crime? How does ACIC work with international partners?

 

In this episode, Heather Cook joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the evolving landscape of transnational crime and its implications for national security in Australia.


Heather Cook is Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology. She is a career intelligence professional with more than 33 years' experience.

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.


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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