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: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 10: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 8: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 6: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
Episode 5: PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 4: CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Australia’s Defence estate through divestment, with Stantec Australia
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia ready to secure its place in an increasingly contested space domain?