PODCAST: Life after Parliament and the changing geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific, with Scott Morrison

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this exclusive episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former prime minister and treasurer of Australia, Scott Morrison.

In this exclusive episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former prime minister and treasurer of Australia, Scott Morrison.

The pair discuss:

  • Morrison’s departure from politics and plans for the future, his new role as non-executive vice-chairman at American Global Strategies, and as adviser with venture capital firm DYNE.
  • A recent visit to South Korea, Australia’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific as well as speculation surrounding defence companies Hanwha and Austal.
  • About a modern, grey-zone Cold War between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
  • Australia’s increasingly complex relationship with the People’s Republic of China and a recent incident between a PLA fighter jet and a Royal Australian Navy helicopter.
  • The empowerment of Australia’s closest neighbourhood partnerships with Nauru and the Solomon Islands, and maintaining the Indo-Pacific status quo.
  • Australian involvement in, and the behind-the-scenes formation of, the AUKUS trilateral partnership, its original intent and vision.
  • The US presidential election and possible re-election of Donald Trump.
  • The accomplishments and downfalls of Morrison’s career in politics and during his time as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia.
  • Morrison’s own experiences with Australian Defence Force equipment such as F-35 stealth aircraft, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and a personal favourite – the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 10: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 8: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 7: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 5: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 3: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power