His words can apply to security more broadly: pandemic, terrorism, supply-chain disruption, foreign coercion, or worse. Our guideposts to securing Australia in the 2020s include risk, resilience and responsibility.

Preparedness is key.

What’s needed is a frank articulation by government about how all these pieces fit together.

We are building or reforming many of the policy institutions, frameworks and capabilities needed to give Australia a chance in a contested future. Hence our defence modernisation, an Indo-Pacific web of partnerships, the establishment of the Department of Home Affairs and the Office of National Intelligence, new cyber capabilities centred on the Australian Signals Directorate, and the legislation to empower concerted action in the national interest.

What is needed is a frank articulation by government about how all these pieces fit together – and what other preparations are needed.

It’s time for a national security strategy – or more accurately a national interest strategy.

States need to play a role

This could look at how to integrate security with other vital areas of policy related to the national interest: prosperity and social cohesion. If we take the…

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