Uhlmann’s War Cabinet Examines Australia’s Defence Readiness

Download IPFS

Australian political contributor Chris Uhlmann will host a one-hour special titled The War Cabinet on August 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time. The program will be filmed at Old Parliament House and will feature a panel of defence and security experts to discuss Australia’s preparedness for potential conflicts amid rising global tensions.

The panel includes former Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer, former Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, former Department of Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo, defence analyst Peter Jennings, and retired Major General Mick Ryan. The discussion will cover topics such as defence spending, Australia’s alliances, particularly with the United States, and lessons drawn from ongoing conflicts worldwide.

The program will be available live on Sky News Australia through Foxtel, the Sky News Australia app on iOS and Android, and via the Sky News website for subscribers. Regional viewers may also access the broadcast on select free-to-air channels, including the WIN Network, subject to local availability.

In the current political context, the Liberal National Party has raised concerns about the Australian Labor government’s defence strategy. LNP Member of Parliament Andrew Hastie has criticized the government for what he describes as a slow response to emerging regional threats, including China’s increasing military presence. This criticism comes as Australia implements the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, which emphasizes the need for enhanced military capabilities to address evolving security challenges.

The Australian government has allocated $50.3 billion for defence in the 2025-26 budget. Analysts, including those from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, have scrutinized this funding level, debating whether it sufficiently supports key projects outlined in the strategic review.

As global uncertainties continue to rise, The War Cabinet program aims to provide Australians with expert analysis on national security and defence readiness, facilitating public engagement with these critical issues.