Australians Perceive Looming Risks and Underpreparedness for National Security Threats

A recent comprehensive consultation on Australian community attitudes towards national security indicates that a majority of the population perceives multiple looming risks and believes the nation is underprepared to address them.

Extensive Survey Findings

The National Security College at the Australian National University conducted the largest consultation of its kind in Australia over two years. This comprehensive effort included:

• Three waves of opinion surveys involving over 20,000 adult Australians.
• Eight focus groups.
• Nearly 500 interviews across urban, rural, and remote locations.

Widespread Public Concerns

Surveys revealed a strong consensus, with between 72% and 78% of Australians viewing the following issues as serious concerns for the next decade:

• Cyber threats
• AI-enabled attacks
• Terrorism
• Violent extremism
• Economic crisis
• Supply-chain disruption
• Disinformation
• Foreign interference
• Failure of the global rules-based order

The number of Australians expressing worry about the nation's security increased from a minority to a two-thirds majority between November 2024 and February 2026.

Most Australians anticipate multiple strategic shocks within the next five years, including overseas war, economic crisis, and supply-chain failures.

Defining Security and Prioritising Threats

Australians define security as encompassing safety, resilience, and the continuity of everyday life. They prioritize threats they already perceive, such as those related to technology, economics, disinformation, climate, and social cohesion. While foreign military attack is considered catastrophic, it is also seen as the least likely threat, though a significant minority believe it could occur within five years.

High Likelihood of Multiple Threats

In July 2025, respondents rated 15 threats by probability and consequence. For all threats except military attack, over two-thirds considered them more likely than not to occur within five years. For climate change impacts, AI-enabled attacks, disinformation, foreign interference, economic crisis, and critical supply disruption, 85% to 89% considered them more likely than not.

Perceived National Underpreparedness

Less than 18% of Australians believe the nation is "very" or "fully" prepared for any of the 15 security risks presented.

For two-thirds of the threats, over half the public feels Australia is "not prepared at all" or only "slightly prepared."

An economic crisis was identified as the issue with the highest combined risk of likelihood and impact. Economic hardship was also cited as a reason for some Australians to disengage from broader security discussions.

Government Communication Gap

Australians desire more information from the government regarding security threats. Surveys indicated that 53% of Australians believe the government shares too little or far too little information, with only 4% believing too much information is shared. Focus groups acknowledged the difficulty for governments in communicating security threats without causing panic.

Community Strength and Priorities

Despite perceived divisions, surveys identified a strong spirit of community strength.

"Safe and peaceful communities" was identified as the foremost national priority, ahead of economic prosperity, democracy, or strengthening Australia's security.

Following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi, 71% of Australians agreed (32% strongly) that all Australians can do more to foster peaceful and safe communities, with only 8% disagreeing.

Key Takeaways

Overall, the findings indicate that a majority of Australians are aware of significant security risks, question the nation's preparedness, understand the complexity of these issues, and are open to increased engagement and information.