ANU National Security College launches Australia-wide consultations on attitudes to security

The ANU National Security College (NSC) will undertake nationwide consultations to understand Australian attitudes to security. This first-of-its kind study will inform a published report in early 2026, intended as a resource for governments, parliaments and communities.

Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of NSC, launched the initiative during his address on national resilience, delivered as the 2025 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture hosted by the University of Tasmania.

Professor Medcalf reinforced calls for a more integrated and strategic approach by government to protecting Australia’s interests against the new world disorder.

“We can no longer afford to move cautiously or quietly as a nation in building preparedness against strategic shocks," he said.

He encouraged greater openness by government on the security and geopolitical risks facing the nation.

“A re-elected government, secure in its mandate and confident with the levers of statecraft, has the opportunity for a frank conversation with the public about the challenges we face.”

The Community Consultations project will contribute to a conversation with the public; enabling Australians to share their views on national security and help decision makers shape better informed policy.

Meetings will be held across major cities, regional centres, rural areas and remote communities in Australia and be supported by written submissions.

Tim Wilford, Community Consultations Lead, says community engagement on national security has never been more essential.

“Our consultations will take place against the backdrop of a complex and rapidly evolving security environment, marked by more disruption, uncertainty and risk than most of us have experienced in our lifetimes,” he said.

“We want to learn what security means to everyday Australians.”

“In their eyes, what are the challenges? What interests and values do they want to protect, and what do they think a whole-of-nation approach to security should look like?”

Professor Medcalf echoed this sentiment, saying he wants every Australian to understand the vital part they play in this national conversation.

“The country’s strategic challenges demand decisions informed by a distinctly Australian, people-centric vision of national security,” he said.

“Your views will lay the foundations to support civil society, businesses and government in their quest to build a prepared and resilient nation.”

The consultation process will be delivered by a team of NSC staff and overseen by a panel of distinguished Australians – Tom Rogers, Professor Jennifer Westacott, Professor Rory Medcalf, Major General Duncan Lewis, Rebecca Skinner and Dr Carolyn Bull.

The project is built on a foundation of nationally-representative survey research, conducted through the highly reputable Social Research Centre at The Australian National University. It received ethics approval through a rigorous university process.

NSC are inviting all contributions to the consultation process. You can read the Issues Paper and make a submission on the NSC website, before 31 October 2025