The 2026 strategy should explain what matters, what threatens us, and why key investments are required. A direct link between risks, interests and resources will help the public understand the choices that shape national security.

Regular gratitude exercises can improve the heart’s response to stress—focusing on thankfulness strengthens cardiovascular recovery and supports long-term heart health, even without changing how a person feels emotionally.

Australia should scale autonomous maritime capabilities by leveraging distributed domestic industry. Small, modular, and easily maintained vessels like the Sea Archer can provide resilience, adaptability, and rapid iteration, enabling sovereign, scalable autonomy.

The author argues AI-driven systems will reshape operations and risk—autonomous agents demand proactive identity, data, and browser security; organisations must enforce zero trust, maintain visibility, and manage AI risk to stay resilient against machine-speed threats.

Holiday breakups can trigger stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Experts recommend activities such as mindfulness, journaling, self-care routines and social support, as well as setting boundaries to cope and promote emotional healing during the festive season.

Australia’s fuel system is fragile—relying on luck, global shipping, and lean inventories. Structural reforms, including stockpiling, supply diversification, and alternative distribution, are critical to secure energy, support Defence readiness, and maintain national stability.

The author argues the ADF must rapidly expand autonomous systems across all services to maintain strategic deterrence and protect key sea lanes. High-volume, fast acquisition, continuous modernisation, and integration with industry and allies are crucial for future operational advantage.

Small states can counter foreign influence through coordinated societal, cyber, and communication efforts—resilience relies on ecosystems, proactive engagement, and early investment rather than waiting for external protection or intervention.

The author argues Australia is unlikely to face invasion, yet it remains exposed. The real risk is disruption to fuel, trade, and supply chains — national resilience, not distant warfighting, is the priority for keeping the country functioning.

Oversleeping isn’t usually the problem itself. Seven to nine hours remains the healthy range; sleeping much longer often signals underlying physical or mental health issues rather than causing them.