PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

Defence Connect co-hosts Phil Tarrant and news editor Robert Dougherty discuss the latest developments shaping Australia’s defence industry and national security environment.

Defence Connect co-hosts Phil Tarrant and news editor Robert Dougherty discuss the latest developments shaping Australia’s defence industry and national security environment.

The pair examine Australia’s recently released 2026 Intergenerational Report, defence workforce requirements, and preparations for Land Forces 2026.

The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

  • The long-term implications of demographic, economic, and geopolitical change for defence.
  • The extension of the ADF Reserve liability period and the importance of retaining experienced military personnel.
  • Land Forces 2026 and new security arrangements surrounding the major defence industry exhibition.
  • The establishment of the Cyber Reserve and new pathways for attracting specialist technology talent into Defence.
  • Security vulnerabilities surrounding Australian defence bases, including drone incursions and physical access to military facilities.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 10: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 9: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership
Episode 7: SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Australia’s Defence estate through divestment, with Stantec Australia
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia ready to secure its place in an increasingly contested space domain?
Episode 5: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Building the future – Viviene Beins on aerospace engineering, women, and Australia’s defence industry
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australian defence industry faces a changing strategic landscape, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia slowly regulating away its own prosperity – and, with it, its national resilience?
Episode 2: SPOTLIGHT: Building an integrated ADF through cloud and emerging technology, with Jonathon Beesley and Richard Campbell