PODCAST: Unpacking the history of Australia’s defence policy and posture, with Michael Pezzullo

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former deputy secretary strategy in the Department of Defence and secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo, to discuss the “long arc” of Australia’s defence policy.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former deputy secretary strategy in the Department of Defence and secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo, to discuss the “long arc” of Australia’s defence policy.

The pair begin their discussion focusing on the early days of Australia’s “sovereign” defence policy, beginning in the aftermath of the Second World War, and our double-edged sword fear of “entrapment” and “abandonment”.

They also discuss:

  • The evolution of Australia’s defence policy and posture during the Cold War, culminating in the 1986 Dibb Report and 1987 Defence White Paper which continues to influence the nation’s posture and policy to this day.
  • The 2009 Defence White Paper whose development was led by Pezzullo and the Force 2030 concept which marks the first time China’s regional ambitions are highlighted and accounted for in Australian planning.
  • The current predicament Australia finds itself facing in light of mounting great power tension and competition in the Indo-Pacific and our need to rapidly prepare.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Black Hawk modernisation, domestic sustainment and workforce development, with Lockheed Martin’s Rodahn Gibbon and Bobby Adkins
Episode 10: SPOTLIGHT: DISP compliance, defence industry security and strengthening Australian supply chains, with De Stefano & Co’s Emilio De Stefano
Episode 9: PODCAST: AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis’ David Eyles
Episode 8: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 7: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 5: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 4: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 2: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy