Federal Government

Thursday, 6 August 2026, 5:58 am

Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia has not prepared for national resilience for decades.

In short:

A new inquiry will look at how Australia can prepare for war.

This is because senior ministers are worried about conflict in the region.

What's next?

The committee will take submissions until November.

Federal MPs will look at how Australia can prepare for war.

The committee will examine how businesses can help with national defence.

The government does not think war is certain, but wants to prepare.

Australia faces its most threatening situation since World War II.

Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia has not thought about national resilience for decades.

This is changing now.

The way the economy and defence force work together is important.

Australia needs to prepare for any situation.

The committee will look at Australia's gaps in preparedness for war.

The committee will examine strengths and gaps in national resilience.

Senator Deborah O'Neill is the committee chair.

The committee chair says every Australian must help defend the nation.

The deputy chair says Australia needs to be more resilient.

Australia needs to be prepared for global shocks.

This inquiry will help with that.

The committee will also look at fuel and fertiliser imports.

Australia's defence spending will increase by $53 billion.

Recent conflicts have shown how vulnerable Australia is to supply chain shocks.

The committee will look at how to protect essential infrastructure.

It will also examine how to ensure food and supplies are not disrupted.

The committee will look at how other countries prepare for conflicts.

Some countries have developed national service programs and resilience plans.

The federal government wants to build civil preparedness and national resilience.

See more ABC coverage.

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