Why National Security Matters to Australia
Using the National Security Association of Australia (NSAA) launch speech to describe why national security matters.
Whilst a slight departure from my planned writings, I thought that I would provide an extract from my speech from the NSAA launch to articulate my view on national security and its relevance to Australia. The full speech is available on LinkedIn here. I presented this speech on 31 August 2023.
NSAA Launch Speech
Neither a wise man nor brave man waits on the tracks of history for the train of tomorrow to run over him.
When Dwight Eisenhower spoke the words in my introduction, he meant them as a warning, not to be prophetic. In modern terms, we can’t drive to the future by looking through a rear-view mirror. Not unless we intend to crash into it.
In the 235 years since Australia was founded, we’ve brought cultures and civilisations from all over the world together. We’ve contributed our lives, hearts and minds to the nation and the world, we gave birth to the science behind wireless internet, where would we be if we had developed and commercialised it for the betterment of Australians and the world I wonder?
We can’t change the past, we can choose to lead, and where we are going is great.
Introduction to the NSAA
NSAA will foster industry leadership, not just participation. What is leadership? It goes beyond title or corporate track record. It’s when everyday people choose to go beyond the boundaries of their institutions and organisations to serve others whilst serving themselves, this is the heart of servant leadership.
The objectives of the NSAA are built on this desire, where we seek to:
Firstly, Accelerate and reinforce the Australian national security industry ecosystem, including defence capability, in order to contribute to economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental stewardship;
Secondly, Attract private capital investment towards national security industries, technologies and infrastructure; and
Thirdly, Strengthen and accelerate industries’ development, commercialisation and use of disruptive and emerging technologies.
We will know success through everlasting freedoms that deliver unbridled choice, creation and ultimately happiness. I am here to enable that for you.
This mission is personal. It was inspired by my parents, who have served and saved thousands of people throughout their careers as doctors and medical officers. Mum with over 52 years of service to the Australian Army and Dad having served as an Army Officer during the Vietnam war and then in Private practice for over 55 years.
They have taught me that: to live in Australia is a privilege, to prosper is an obligation.
You see, there is a greatness inside all Australians, and it isn’t a desire for power or significance, it’s authenticity. It’s a desire to live in harmony. As Australians this is what we must bring to the world.
How is National Security relevant to Queensland and Australia?
National Security is just as much about Avocados in Atherton, Hospital beds in Mugindi, as Naval shipyards in Cairns or advanced manufacturing hubs in Brisbane. Everyone counts, from Farmers, Veterans, Scientists, Engineers, Interior Designers, and Entrepreneurs are every part of our supply chain.
From the great state of Queensland to Western Australia, technology and people must work hand in hand for the sake of our nation’s interests and productivity. Despite technology being centric to the NSAA, people are equally as vital. We’ve chosen to focus on leveraging disruptive and emerging technologies to individually advance member companies and their pursuits, whilst uniting people under a banner of National Security stemming from the need for sovereign capability. People and their ability to innovate in collaborative environments, whether out in the field or inside spaces and places will be central to our efforts.
As Australians, we've never sought the limelight, we don't see the work we do as great because we’ve always respected modesty. As French Saint Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
Israel with only 20% naturally arable land grows 95% of its own food requirements. Its technology exports were US$67billion and defense exports reached US$12.5bn.
We don’t scour our own wool. We ship 80% of our wool to China and Australia exported approximately 70% of its agriculture overseas.
We have a benchmark.
Industries such as:
Agriculture – which provides our food security.
Architecture, construction, and engineering,
Education
Health
Technology
Energy, transportation, telecommunications, utilities critical infrastructure
All matter to national security.
Olympics 2032
The Brisbane Olympics in 2032 will see the upgrading and building of new infrastructure, from sporting, business and transportation facilities, all of this must deliver form and function whilst being secure from potential threats. We see the NSAA supporting industry to ensure the promise of prosperity that comes from such a significant global event is underpinned by necessary protection and preservation.
Speaking of global significance, national security offers effective self-reliance to establish authentic long-term relationships that foster great collaborations and even greater outcomes between nations.
Defence
It’s not just the recent Australian Government Defence Strategic Review that makes Defence important, In December of 2022, Australia’s own Future fund noted uncertain times acknowledging the possibility of a global war. In the same quarter, PGIM, An American Investment Manager of over $1.27 Trillion dollars funds under management remarked on similar risks noting the threat and impact of major cybersecurity attacks on critical infrastructure.
The proposed United States budget for defence is a staggering $842 Billion for FY2024 but with that comes some interesting concerns such as:
Industry consolidation: Since 1990, Defence primes have shrunk from 51 companies to 5
Production constraints and surge capacity which refers to the ability for the industrial base to meet the capacity requirements of Defence
Supply chain security and resilience: Which refers to vulnerabilities in supply chains which rely on global partners, manufacturing capacity and limited international co-ordination
These problems are far more severe for Australia, but treaties such as AUKUS and other recent international national security relationships are bringing opportunities to Australia and her national security industrial base.
The NSAA has selected an uncommon activity, we’ve chosen to deliberately encourage the employment of veterans in industry as well as for Australians to consider providing reserve service in order to achieve national capability.
It is our intention to work with the ADF and industry to support these efforts to serve our national security interests.
Finally, NSAA recognises that the defence community provides another facet as one of Australia’s best foundations for meaningful and sustainable social well-being. It brings dignity, vibrancy and heart to veterans and their families through organizations such as Legacy and Defence Kidz. Australia needs this without question.
Why will members join the NSAA?
Members will join because they seek to be part of an association devoted to furthering Australia’s national interests as well as their own, some member benefits include:
The attraction of private capital, access to experts and insights for national security and defence related investment opportunities
Industry-led National security technology accelerator
Expertise and insights into how to protect your organisation from cyber-attacks and how they relate to national security
Gain unprecedented insights in how national security is relevant to your industry and how to align your business to present or future challenges, gaps, and opportunities as they may exist.
Conclusion
I am excited to lead the National Security Association of Australia, NSAA, as it seeks to achieve its objectives, I leave you with this final message:
We Australians, we’re mates in every sense of the word, equals through shared spirit. The great potential of authenticity resides within each of us, just waiting for that call to action. Our pursuits don’t have to be monumental it’s the passion and unwavering commitment we pour into them that define us today. No matter the circumstance, we’ll always rush to help each other, and our track record in advancing science and technology shines a light on the world. It’s time to do more for the nation and the world. And time, a resource beyond anyone’s ability to manufacture, compels us to hasten.
In this unique era, even national security, an unconventional companion, becomes a symbol of distinction. Our distinctions will be a product not only of triumph but also of tribulation. We will forge ahead where our diverse skills, qualifications, passions, and pursuits converge beneath a single banner, on the same sun-burnt land we cherish, yearn to safeguard, and aspire to enrich.
Irrespective of what industry you hail from, join the NSAA and together we will share Australia’s wonders, her traditions and cultures, our authenticity, for the betterment of humanity.
Thank you and Godspeed to this magnificent nation.