Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, REDSIX CEO Michael Handley joins host Phil Tarrant to tell the story behind the development of his new veterans support app. Handley, an Army veteran himself, discusses his experience as a service member and the challenges he faced when transitioning to civilian life. He explains how he found new purpose in promoting wellbeing among veterans, prompti...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, former head of the ADF's information warfare division, Major General (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the importance of building Australia's defences in the increasingly hostile cyber domain.       Dr Thompson weighs in on the current cyber threat in Australia amid a spike in malicious activity from both commercially-m...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Simon Kelland, partner and principal consultant, Scotwork, joins host Phil Tarrant to offer tips for stakeholders negotiating defence deals amid industry disruption. Drawing from years of experience in the sector, Kelland explains how recent disruptions, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have changed attitudes towards the negotiation process, provi...

Royal Marine Commando veteran Mark Ormrod MBE was the first person to survive a triple amputation following an IED blast during the War in Afghanistan. Following his lifechanging injury, Mark persevered to craft an internationally renowned career as a motivational speaker, author and athlete, having won seven medals at the Invictus Games in Sydney. On the podcast, Mark discusses how he continues t...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, news editor Charbel Kadib and editor of Australian Aviation Adam Thorn join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest developments in military aviation. The team begin by addressing the latest COVID-19 outbreak in NSW and its potential implications on the commercial and military aviation industries. The trio then reflect on the Royal Australian Air For...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, news editor Charbel Kadib joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest defence and geopolitical developments. Tarrant and Kadib begin by discussing the historic flight of the Royal Australian Air Force's F-35A aircraft, which took to the skies with a full arsenal for the first time. The pair then discuss the government's recent data sovereignty push...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Glen Ferrarotto, founder of Ironside Recruiting, joins the Defence Connect team to discuss his journey from army through to business owner. Holding several jobs along the way, Glen details the difficulties he had to overcome in finding employment in his post-service life, and shares some helpful tips for Australia 's veteran community. The podcast al...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, deputy editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman and news editor Charbel Kadib join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest developments emerging from Land Forces 2021. The team discuss the defence technology on display in the  Brisbane Convention  & Exhibition  Centre  (BCEC), showcasing an array of platforms built to enhance capability in the land doma...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, CEO of BAE Systems Australia Gabby Costigan provides listeners with an operational update of BAE's programs in Australia including the recent milestones that the company has achieved with the Hunter Class Frigate program. Costigan continues by describing the role that BAE Systems has played in facilitating the growth of Australia's shipbuilding indus...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price and shadow minister for defence industry Matt Keogh discuss their competing agendas for supporting Australian industry capability. The policymakers begin by outlining their competing platforms, explaining how they plan to support the development of the local defence industry. Minister Price and Keogh then d...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, at the Australian National University, weighs in on Australia's defence and national security agenda. Professor Blaxland, a veteran of the Australian Army, begins by explaining how he transitioned into a career in academia, and reflects...

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 ...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia, Scott Carpendale, discusses the aerospace company's ongoing contribution to enhancing defence capability and supporting the growth of local industry. Carpendale begins by discussing his transition into a leadership role following his appointment in 2019, and outlines how he's sought to...

This edition of the Defence Connect podcast begins by analysing the technological breakthroughs undertaken by Northrop Grumman and the broader industry within the air warfighting domain alongside Chris Deeble, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Australia. Dr Jackie Craig then draws on her scientific expertise and 26 years of service with the Defence Science and Technology Group to unpack how new...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, South Australia's Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, discusses his work to build Australian industry capability. Minister Pisoni begins by explaining why he chose to enter state politics following a career as furniture salesman and small business owner. The minister then discusses the South Australian government's work to stimulate the...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Senator David Fawcett, chair of joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, discusses the government's newly released report on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia's foreign affairs, defence and trade. Senator Fawcett discusses how the report tackles the broad issue of Australian sovereignty in critical national...

This week marked the 100-year anniversary of the RAAF, which culminated in one of the most ambitious flypasts attempted in years. And a special occasion demands a special podcast. This week, host Phil Tarrant brings together Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn and Defence Connect's Liam Garman to discuss the past, present and future of our Air Force. The team analyses how well equipped the RAAF is to...

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Major Cate Carter, course designer, Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics at the Australian Defence College, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss findings from her research into the relationship between Defence and the broader community. MAJ Carter begins by discussing her career in the Australian Army, explaining how her deployment in East Timor in...

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition's plan for Defence and defence industry. Swanson begins by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in politics after years in the media, and how she secured a leadership role in the Defence portfolio. The shado...

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, head of navy engineering, joins host Phil Tarrant to recognise the contributions of women in Defence in celebration of International Women's Day. RADM Richards discusses her career journey, noting the shift in attitudes towards female participation in the Royal Australian Navy. The 30-year veteran goes on to explain h...

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, author and historian Dr Will Davies joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his passion for telling the stories of Australia's wartime past. Dr Davies explains why he decided to pursue a new career as an author of Australian history after spending almost 40 years in the documentary filmmaking industry. The author details his writing process, explaining ho...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel, and Rob Orr, associate professor and director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, join host Phil Tarrant to discuss how they've collaborated to develop new technology for modern warfighters. Dixon discusses the evolution of the ADA business, and the importance of onshoring Australian manuf...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Mark Burgess, managing director and CEO of Quickstep, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his firm's growing contribution to Australian Industry Capability. Burgess explains how Quickstep has transformed in recent years to become one of Australia's most promising defence and aerospace companies, supporting key Defence projects, including the Joint Str...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, retired Rear Admiral Clint Thomas CSC, managing director of award-winning business Serco Defence, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss how his business is meeting the needs of the maritime industry. RADM Thomas outlines how Serco's current $1.5 billion suite of maritime projects are helping to support naval capability both domestically and internationa...

With each passing day the regional balance of power is evolving, setting the stage for a big year for Defence and defence industry as Australia prepares for the challenges of the 2020s. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper recap all the very latest in Australian Defence, defence industry and national security policy news. Phil and Steve discuss the geo...