CONTESTED GROUND: The fragility of Australia’s energy ecosystem, with AVM (Ret’d) John Blackburn AO

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast miniseries following the outbreak of the latest conflict in the Middle East, hosts Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) John Blackburn AO to discuss the implications of the Iran conflict on Australia’s energy system.

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast miniseries following the outbreak of the latest conflict in the Middle East, hosts Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) John Blackburn AO to discuss the implications of the Iran conflict on Australia’s energy system.

The trio begin by discussing the Australian government’s rhetoric around the nation’s liquid fuel supplies, its access to the global energy markets and the immediate ramifications of the ongoing throttling of oil flows out of the Middle East.

As part of this, they unpack the state of Australia’s liquid fuel stockpiles, the challenges governments face in moving to “calm” the Australian public and prevent a run on the nation’s limited crude oil reserves.

They also discuss the decline in the nation’s refining capacity, our dependence on foreign refined fuel imports from south-east Asia and the implications for national security and resilience.

Finally, they unpack the policy and regulatory challenges and opportunities that face Australia’s policymakers and the immediate steps we can take to build national resilience.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 10: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia
Episode 5: PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east
Episode 4: PODCAST: Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird
Episode 2: PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget