About the Summit
Now in its 22nd year, the Safeguarding Australia Summit is a leading forum for dialogue on Australia’s security, defence and sovereignty. It will be held on October 28 -29 in Canberra.
In 2026, the Summit focuses on the practical implications of Australia’s evolving defence posture, including the shift toward National Defence and the need to align strategy with capability, industry and economic resilience.
Safeguarding Australia summit series is delivered in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), the Department of Home Affairs, and RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation.
Strategic Context
Geopolitical competition, economic fragmentation and supply chain disruption are reshaping the foundations of national power.
For Australia, this requires greater self-reliance, faster capability delivery and stronger integration across government, defence and industry to operate effectively in a more contested environment.
Summit Focus
The Summit will explore:
- Sovereign capability and defence industrial acceleration
- Deterrence, readiness and force posture
- AUKUS and strategic capability partnerships
- Economic security, critical resources and supply chains
- Technology, cyber resilience and decision advantage
- Whole-of-nation approaches to resilience and preparedness
Featured Speakers:
- Stephen Moore | First Assistant Secretary, PM&C
- Lisa Elliston | First Assistant Secretary, PM&C
- Hamish Hansford | Deputy Secretary, Head of National Security, Dept of Home Affairs
- Ciara Spencer | Deputy Secretary, Law Enforcement & Domestic Security, Dept of Home Affairs
The Safeguarding Australia Summit 2026 provides a timely platform for senior leaders to engage on these challenges and help shape Australia’s security and sovereignty in a rapidly changing world.
For more information on the summit and registration, please visit here
