Stepping up: leading in national security

Australia’s national security challenges are becoming more frequent, complex and interconnected. Whether it’s geopolitical competition and conflict, disasters, cyber threats or supply chain disruption, early-career officers are first to analyse emerging issues, coordinate advice, manage information flows and support whole‑of‑government responses.

Designed for APS 6 (or equivalent) and high-performing APS 5, this program forms part of the Executive Development pathway for the national security community and supports participants to step into future leadership roles. It provides a practical understanding of Australia’s national security environment, while helping participants connect their work to broader government priorities and strengthen their network across the national security community. 

What you will take away

Participants will build practical capability to:

• Analyse major strategic dynamics – including US–China competition and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and strengthen whole‑of‑government awareness and advice.
• Assess energy security and global supply chain risks as core national security issues, improving early identification of vulnerabilities and more resilient policy and operational responses.
• Evaluate the security implications of emerging technologies – including space, quantum and AI – building confidence to engage across technical, policy and operational domains.
• Navigate evolving security threats – including terrorism, violent extremism, and climate‑driven disasters.
• Operate effectively within Australia’s national security system, including support ministerial decision‑making and understanding of the National Intelligence Community.

Participants will also receive mentoring, supporting their development as future leaders within the national security community and reinforcing the importance of investing early in the skills, judgement and relationships that underpin effective executive leadership. This course is aligned to the APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and designed to prepare and transition leaders to manage complex programs, policies and intelligence within the national security context.

Why this program?

Designed for emerging leaders who want to broaden their understanding of Australia’s national security environment, strengthen their whole-of-government perspective, and build confidence navigating complex policy, operational and strategic challenges.

As part of the Executive Development pathway, this program is a key stepping stone for officers preparing for future management and executive roles. Participants gain exposure to Australia’s evolving security challenges, build valuable cross-government networks, and develop the strategic awareness and judgement needed to lead effectively in a rapidly changing environment.

For participants, it’s an opportunity to accelerate their development and broaden their impact. For managers, it’s a practical investment in building the next generation of national security leaders.

Who should enrol

This program is designed to build national security literacy and support the development of future leaders across government. It’s well suited to:

• APS 5/6 officers seeking to understand how their work contributes to Australia’s broader national security objectives and whole-of-government priorities. 
• Program, policy, operational and regulatory professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of the national security system and the environment in which government operates. 
• Emerging leaders preparing for management and executive responsibilities, and seeking to build the strategic awareness, networks and judgement required to lead effectively. 
• National security practitioners looking to deepen and broaden their exposure to Australia’s evolving threat landscape, including geopolitical, economic, technological, and societal security challenges.
• Officers involved in preparedness, crisis response, resilience, or risk management activities, where national security, disaster and strategic risks increasingly intersect.
• High‑potential staff identified through talent, leadership, or executive development pathways as a capability‑building investment for future leadership roles.

Note: minimum NV1 security clearance required.

For more details or to enrol please email epd.nsc@anu.edu.au