Defence Connect Podcast Network
682 episodes Last Updated: Jun 17, 25
The Defence Connect Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence industry.
The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry.
We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams:
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber
- Key Enablers
- Air and Sea Lift
- Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Strike and Air Combat
- Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare
As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success.
The Defence Connect Podcast Network will provide you and your business with valuable lessons, tips and insights into the industry, putting your company in the best position to take part in the increased Defence spending.
We’ll cover every aspect of doing business in the defence industry, from the tender process to recruitment, success stories, access points to Defence, smart business strategies, and geopolitical insights.
Subscribe to the Defence Connect network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry.
Episodes
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Duncan Milne, managing director of aviation and critical services at Babcock Australasia, and Pierre Basquin, chief executive of aviation and CEO France at Babcock International Group, to discuss further expansion into the military aviation industry to meet customer requirements. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the company’s efforts to support critical aviation missions in Australia such as medical evacuation and search and rescue. They explore partnerships with small-to-medium enterprises in Australia as part of the wider goals of Babcock’s global strategy regarding aviation. Finally, the trio unpack the greatest challenges facing the military aviation industry in the short and long term. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about furry hacking collectives, a spree of ransomware attacks targeting Australian healthcare organisations, and good news for farmers. Hollingworth and Croft start their chat by catching up on a defacement campaign targeting a website administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. AI-generated images of furries suddenly appeared overnight on the site, with the identity of the hackers – and whether or not they’re furries themselves – currently unknown. The pair then get more serious as they discuss the rapid rise of a new ransomware operation and its attacks on Australian healthcare providers. Global only started operating in June but already has three Aussie victims. Hollingworth and Croft discuss who the hackers might be and what their plans are for the future. Finally, the pair talk about some good news, with free new cyber security education resources being made available to Aussie farmers and the ACMA’s push to make telcos more supportive of the victims of domestic violence. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team
In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The pair discuss: Myroshnychenko’s perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and critical support being provided by Australia to assist against Russian forces. Recent military actions in Ukraine and a massive Russian attack using 300 drones and 17 missiles launched into Ukrainian territory. Speculation that Russia will only negotiate in peace talks when it is sufficiently weakened and brought to the table. Australia’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia’s growing presence in Australia’s area of influence. A need for Australia to bolster its sovereign defence capabilities and possible Ukrainian assistance in achieving this endeavour through battle-hardened expertise, innovation and technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tony Rogers, market leader - defence, and Louisa Bloomer, director of digital technology (Asia-Pacific) at Stantec, to discuss the complexities of managing dislocated design teams in classified defence settings. The conversation begins with a deep dive into data policy and artificial intelligence, including how robust data frameworks impact design workflows. They explore data management and permissions and how Stantec approaches these challenges through their federal enclave architecture. Finally, the trio unpacks the unique challenges of leading design teams in classified environments and looks to the future – including the role of robotics in asset maintenance. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team
Jun 09, 2025
CYBER UNCUT: Military artificial intelligence, Ukraine hacks Russia, local hacks surge, and the name game
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by special guest Robert Dougherty of Defence Connect to talk about a Ukrainian hacking operation, ransomware attacks on Australian companies surge after a quiet spot, and a popular hacking forum returns. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with Dougherty as they discuss an offer from Ukraine to assist the Australian Defence Force with integrating AI into combat operations, the uses of AI on the battlefield, and a daring Ukrainian cyber operation that targeted one of Russia’s most important builders of military aircraft. Cyber Daily’s two journalists then catch up on a busy week for Australian companies trying – and failing – to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. As it turns out, the quiet period talked about in the last episode was just a blip. The hacks, sadly, are back, and they continue to be disruptive, as Fire Rescue Victoria is continuing to learn following a 2022 cyber attack. Finally, the pair wrap up the podcast with news of BreachForum’s resurrection, and a welcome move from two IT security giants to clean up the realm of threat actor attribution. Names matter! Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team
In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Scott Morrison, Space Centre Australia chair and former prime minister. The pair discuss: Morrison’s keynote speech during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition and his discussions with space industry representatives throughout the event, in particular, his unique perspective since being in politics and now in the corporate space industry environment. The newly announced Space Centre Australia launch site in Queensland and the opportunities it represents for greater space industry collaboration. Australia’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific with Japan and South Korea as well as countries in Europe and representatives from the United States of America. The results and his observations about the recent Australian federal election. The increasing calls for the Australian government to lift its GDP percentage spend on defence from 2.3 per cent to at least 3 per cent. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Jun 02, 2025
CONTESTED GROUND: Australian sentenced to 13 years in Russia, Australia and EU discuss defence pact
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the latest from Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in India-Pakistan, and how diaspora groups are expanding conflict beyond country borders. They begin the podcast discussing Australian schoolteacher Oscar Jenkins, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Russia. The trio then discuss the India-Pakistan conflict, and how it has drawn in regional powers and diaspora groups. They wrap up unpacking a European-Australian defence pact, and whether it will be sufficient to support Australian stability in the Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
May 30, 2025
CYBER UNCUT: Meta’s new AI, a bad week for legal entities in Australia, and mandatory ransomware reporting
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Meta moving to use user data to train its AI, cyber attacks on local legal firms and boards, and new regulations requiring mandatory reporting of ransomware payments. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with the news that a German data watchdog has been unable to stop Meta from using user data to train its new AI model. As they say, if the product is free, the product is you – and your Facebook posts. The pair then discuss the latest cyber attacks targeting Australian organisations, with both a Queensland law firm and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia falling victim to ransomware attacks, as well as The Salvation Army getting listed on a darknet leak site. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss how attacks seem to have slowed down in the last month. Is it a trend or just a blip? Finally, the two wrap up the podcast with a discussion on a new Australian law coming into effect requiring organisations to report paying a ransom and its possible impact on the ransomware economy. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Agsecure's Andrew Henderson to unpack the recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute food security green paper developed by Henderson and Dr John Coyne. The pair discuss a range of topics outlined in the food security green paper, including: Food security fragility: Australia’s food system heavily relies on critical imports (e.g. glyphosate, phosphate), with potential disruptions leading to rapid breakdowns. Central coordination, local delivery: Proposes centralised planning (e.g. via agriculture) but decentralised execution, empowering local actors and reducing red tape. Ecosystem perspective: Suggests a holistic “food security ecosystem” approach, connecting producers, processors, distributors and critical inputs. Structured risk assessment: Recommends systematic identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities using structured frameworks, with private sector engagement. Urgency and national security: Highlights immediate action needs due to geopolitical tensions and environmental risks, including building domestic production and resilience. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
May 28, 2025
DEFENCE PROPERTY PODCAST: How ADF members can turn frequent relocations into investment opportunities
In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Kane Dury, director and lead buyer’s agent at Discover Buyers Agency, explore the unique challenges and advantages Australian Defence Force (ADF) members face in property investment as they often relocate. Due to frequent relocations, ADF life complicates traditional home ownership but also offers exposure to various markets nationwide, with the duo suggesting that investors begin with clear investment goals and use available defence benefits like the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DOHAS) and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS). ADF members also benefit from rental assistance, making ownership more financially viable than it may be for civilians, while flexibility in relocation allows them to target emerging property markets. Dury said that a common strategy involves buying a home, living in it to meet benefit requirements, then converting it into a rental when posted elsewhere. The duo stresses the value of professional advice to navigate complex deals and optimise outcomes, suggesting ADF members take action, leverage their benefits, and invest strategically to build wealth through property. For more key strategies to build a successful portfolio, listen to Kane Dury here. Do you need more information on the market conditions surrounding Australia’s largest defence bases? Listen to our last episode here.