Defence leaders, policymakers and reservists gathered in Adelaide last month to discuss how the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves can expand capability across the five domains.

Held at the Naval, Military and Air Force Club of South Australia, the 2026 Defence Reserves Association (DRA) National Conference brought together representatives from Defence, government, veterans’ organisations and industry to examine the role of reserve forces in meeting Australia's future national security requirements.

Key topics included homeland defence, cyber capability, health support, recruiting and workforce growth.

Addressing delegates, national president of the DRA Brigadier Mike Annett highlighted the importance of building reserve capability to support an integrated and focused force.

“Australia’s strategic circumstances require a larger, more capable and more ready reserve force that can contribute across all domains,” Brigadier Annett said.

“The reserve workforce provides Defence with access to skills, experience and community connections that are essential to national resilience and future capability.”

A recorded message from Chief of the Defence Force Admiral Mark Hammond focused on optimising the role of the ADF Reserves in national defence, while updates on the Strategic Review of the ADF Reserves were delivered by Head Reserve and Cadet Support Division Major General Michelle Campbell.

'Reserve soldiers are already contributing to homeland defence, disaster response and emerging capabilities such as drones and counter-drone systems.'

The conference also included Commander 2nd (Australian) Division Major General Matt Burr who outlined challenges and opportunities associated with growing reserve capability in support of homeland defence tasks.

“Reserve soldiers are already contributing to homeland defence, disaster response and emerging capabilities such as drones and counter-drone systems,” Major General Burr said.

“But as we look to the future, building readiness, increasing strength and retaining skilled personnel will be critical to delivering the capability the nation requires.”

Attendees also participated in a workshop informed by the DRA's major paper, Delivering the ADF Reserves Needed for National Security.

The paper argues that a larger and better-resourced reserve force is essential to sustaining Defence capability and resilience in a deteriorating security environment.

The conference concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for practical reforms to strengthen reserve service and ensure the ADF can generate capability across maritime, land, air, cyber and space domains.

For more information on the Defence Reserves Association visit dra.org.au