Name
Laneway Session 2B – The Social Licence for National Defence: The Role of Media and Public Debate
Date & Time
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
Speakers
Samantha Maiden, news.com.au
Nicola Smith, Australian Financial Review
Stephen Dziedzic, ABC News
Peter Hartcher, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
Samantha Maiden Nicola Smith Stephen Dziedzic Peter Hartcher
Description

As Australia’s strategic circumstances become more challenging, National Defence will require greater public understanding of the risks, trade-offs and commitments that underpin security. This panel will explore whether Australia’s media and public debate are helping to build the social licence required for national defence, or whether a gap remains between strategic reality and public awareness.

Session Type
Panel