The Australian War College's (AWC) National Defence Seminar explored the changing character of military professionalism and Australia’s National Defence Strategy (NDS).

Hosted by the AWC’s Centre for Defence Research, more than 450 representatives from Defence, government, industry, academia and international partners participated, some remotely, at the Australian Defence College in Canberra last month.

Focusing on how the concept of national defence had been embraced, highlights included presentations from Deputy Secretary Strategy, Policy and Industry Group Hugh Jeffrey and Head National Support Major General Jason Walk.

Panel discussions also showcased perspectives on collective deterrence, whole-of-nation preparedness and operationalising national defence.

Commandant AWC Brigadier Lara Troy said initiating the seminar created an important platform for discussions on national defence and resilience, and would be followed by future events.

“With participation from 13 nations across a variety of sectors, it highlighted the interest security professionals have in working together to bridge theory and practice in our increasingly complex environment,” Brigadier Troy said.

“The event is an example of the pivotal role AWC plays in raising the level of professionalism and intellectual debate on issues of strategic importance to Defence.”

Panel discussion moderator and AWC Hassett Chair of Military Studies Professor Peter Dean said the event was an important opportunity to discuss the NDS.

“The implementation of the NDS requires deep expertise within Defence paired with whole-of-government and whole-of-society coordination, matched with engagement with allies and partners,” Professor Dean said.  

“The National Defence Seminar provided a forum for representatives from across Defence to unpack NDS 2026 and hear from senior leaders from Defence, industry, academia, other government agencies and international partners.

“It focused on the central concept of NDS 2026, national defence, from strategy to planning, force design, operations, international partnerships, innovation and Defence reform.”