DEFENCE PORTFOLIO

Australians Unified – Defence Portfolio

Australia’s security landscape is changing rapidly. From emerging regional tensions to cyber threats and technological disruption, the nation requires a Defence system that is modern, resilient, and strategically prepared. The Defence Portfolio is committed to safeguarding Australia’s sovereignty, protecting our people, and strengthening our national resilience. Australia unified believe we do not need uncertainty in its security — it needs clarity, capability, and readiness. Strong defence forces. Modern technology. Secure borders. Trusted intelligence. Resilient infrastructure. We are a nation with strategic responsibilities at home and in our region. Today, we affirm: our commitment to Australia’s defence is unwavering. It is time to strengthen the foundations of our national security.

CHALLENGES — KEY OVERVIEW

1. Strategic Environment & Regional Stability

  • Increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo‑Pacific.

  • Rising military modernization among regional powers.

  • Greater need for partnerships and alliances. Core problem: Australia must remain prepared in a rapidly shifting strategic environment.

 

2. Defence Capability & Modernisation

  • Ageing platforms and systems requiring renewal.

  • Need for advanced technologies (cyber, space, autonomous systems).

  • Long lead times for procurement and capability delivery. Core problem: Defense capability must evolve faster than emerging threats.

 

3. Workforce & Defense Personnel

  • Recruitment and retention challenges across the ADF and APS.

  • Increasing demand for specialized skills (cyber, engineering, intelligence).

  • Supporting veterans and families through transitions. Core problem: A strong defense force requires a strong, supported workforce.

ybersecurity & Information Warfare

  • Growing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks.

  • Threats to critical infrastructure and national systems.

  • Need for secure communication and intelligence networks. Core problem: Australia must defend itself in both physical and digital domains.

 

5. Defence Industry & Sovereign Capability

  • Reliance on international supply chains for critical equipment.

  • Need for domestic manufacturing and innovation.

  • Supporting small and medium defence businesses. Core problem: Australia must build sovereign capability to ensure long‑term security.

 

6. Infrastructure, Estate & Preparedness

  • Maintaining and upgrading bases, training areas, and defence estates.

  • Ensuring readiness for humanitarian, disaster, and regional support missions.

  • Strengthening logistics and supply resilience. Core problem: Defence infrastructure must be modern, resilient, and future‑ready.

DEFENCE PORTFOLIO — PROBLEM / SOLUTION STRATEGIES

1. STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT & REGIONAL STABILITY

Challenge:

  • Rising tensions and uncertainty in the Indo‑Pacific.

  • Increased need for regional cooperation and deterrence.

Our Solution:

  • Strengthen alliances and partnerships, including regional defence cooperation.

  • Enhance Australia’s strategic presence and readiness.

  • Invest in intelligence, surveillance, and strategic planning.

 

2. DEFENCE CAPABILITY & MODERNISATION

Challenge:

  • Outdated systems and long procurement cycles.

  • Rapid technological change.

Our Solution:

  • Accelerate acquisition of modern platforms and technologies.

  • Invest in cyber, space, autonomous systems, and advanced defence science.

  • Strengthen Defence Science and Technology Group innovation pathways.

 

3. WORKFORCE & DEFENCE PERSONNEL

Challenge:

  • Skills shortages and retention pressures.

  • Increasing demands on personnel and families.

Our Solution:

  • Expand recruitment and specialist training programs.

  • Improve conditions, support services, and career pathways.

  • Strengthen veteran transition and wellbeing initiatives.

 

4. CYBERSECURITY & INFORMATION WARFARE

Challenge:

  • Escalating cyber threats targeting government, industry, and infrastructure.

Our Solution:

  • Enhance national cyber defence capabilities.

  • Strengthen the Australian Signals Directorate and cyber operations.

  • Improve whole‑of‑government cyber resilience and intelligence sharing.

 

5. DEFENCE INDUSTRY & SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY

Challenge:

  • Vulnerable supply chains and limited domestic production.

Our Solution:

  • Invest in sovereign manufacturing and defense industry growth.

  • Support Australian businesses through procurement reform.

  • Encourage innovation through defence‑industry partnerships.

 

6. INFRASTRUCTURE, ESTATE & PREPAREDNESS

Challenge:

  • Ageing infrastructure and increasing operational demands.

Our Solution:

  • Modernise bases, training facilities, and logistics networks.

  • Strengthen preparedness for humanitarian and regional missions.

  • Improve estate sustainability and resilience.