INSIGHT: A blueprint for national resilience — Senator James Paterson

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
James Paterson

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senator for Victoria and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security James Paterson discusses the importance of building national resilience amid growing security risks.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senator for Victoria and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security James Paterson discusses the importance of building national resilience amid growing security risks.

  

Senator Paterson begins by outlining his responsibilities as chair of the joint committee on intelligence and security and the role he plays in informing defence and foreign policy.

The senator explains why the conversation around national resilience has become “mainstream”, and notes the importance of better informing the broader community about emerging security challenges.

He then discusses the future of the Indo-Pacific, and weighs in on the likelihood of kinetic confrontation with China.

Senator Paterson goes on to highlight the importance of Australia’s regional and international alliances with specific reference to the evolution of the Quad.

Finally, Senator Paterson discusses the federal government’s proposal to introduce new critical infrastructure legislation, designed to ensure businesses that are “systemically important” receive the assistance they need to counter foreign threats.

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