MEDIA RELEASE 27 April 2026
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, will tomorrow host a sold-out Defence and Security Forum on the Sunshine Coast, bringing together leading strategic expert Peter Jennings AO PSM and more than 200 local residents for a timely discussion on Australia’s security future.
With seating fully allocated and strong community interest, the forum reflects growing concern among Australians about global instability and Australia’s preparedness in an increasingly uncertain world.
Mr Wallace said the overwhelming response to the event shows that national security is no longer a distant issue, it is front of mind for people here in Fisher and around the nation.
“Right now, we are living through the most strategically uncertain period since the 1940s, and Australians know it,” Mr Wallace said.
“They are asking serious questions about our defence capability, our alliances, and whether as a nation, we are prepared for what lies ahead. This forum is about bringing those conversations out of Canberra and into the community.”
Mr Wallace said the forum will focus on key issues including the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, our defence capability and preparedness, Indo-Pacific security, intelligence, and Australia’s long-term strategic posture.
“National security is not theoretical. It goes to the heart of our sovereignty, our economy, and our very way of life,” he said.
“That’s why I’ve long called for a clear, comprehensive national security strategy, one that aligns defence, energy security, supply chains and critical infrastructure to properly protect Australians.”
Mr Wallace said he was pleased to welcome Peter Jennings, one of Australia’s most respected defence and strategic policy experts to the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Jennings has held some of the most senior strategic roles in government, including Deputy Secretary for Strategy in the Department of Defence and senior adviser for strategic policy to Prime Minister John Howard. He is a former Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and a widely recognised voice on defence policy.
“Peter Jennings brings decades of experience at the highest levels of defence and government. There are very few people in this country with his depth of knowledge when it comes to strategy, capability and the decisions that shape our national security.” Mr Wallace added.
Mr Jennings said the forum comes at a critical time for Australia.
“Australia faces a far more complex and contested strategic environment than at any point in more than 80 years,” Mr Jennings said.
“It is vital that communities understand the challenges ahead and the importance of building credible defence capability and clear strategic direction to keep Australians safe.”
Ahead of the forum, Mr Jennings will also visit a number of local defence and advanced manufacturing businesses across the Fisher electorate, highlighting the Sunshine Coast’s growing role in supporting Australia’s sovereign capability.
The Sunshine Coast and in particular the Caloundra district continues to emerge as a specialised hub for aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing and aviation capability, supporting both economic growth and national security outcomes.
Mr Wallace said building sovereign capability is not just a national priority, but a local opportunity.
“Here on the Sunshine Coast, we have the foundations of a burgeoning defence and aerospace industry, from advanced manufacturing to aviation engineering,” he said.
“That means jobs, investment, and a real role for our region in supporting Australia’s national security.”
Mr Wallace finished by sayings he looks forward to engaging directly with the community at the forum and continuing to advocate for stronger defence and security outcomes for Australia.
“More than 103,000 Australians have died in service of our nation under our flag, that places a solemn responsibility on all Australians to take national security seriously, not just in words, but in action.”
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Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
