Modernising Australia's border security

Modernising Australia's border security

From The National Security Podcast by ANU National Security College

February 19, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the need for Australia to reconceptualise its borders as strategic assets and the implications of modern border management.

Why do Australia’s borders require a fundamental rethink? How can Australian governments build on the vision of Australia’s borders as a national strategic asset?  How can new forms of border governance, such as the use of AI and advanced data analytics, be introduced without undermining public trust? What should the border look like for industry, travellers, the pubic, international partners and those interested in conducting trade with Australia?  In this episode, Mike Outram joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the need for Australia to reconceptualise its borders as strategic assets, the threats posed by transnational crime, and the economic benefits of modern border management. Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College (NSC). Mike Outram APM is a Distinguished Advisor at NSC. He was Commissioner of the Australian Border Force from 2018 to 2024. He has served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years. TRANSCRIPT Show notes  Securing our Future conference – Register now NSC academic programs – find out more   Beyond the checkpoint: managing Australia’s border as a strategic economic and national security asset ACIC CEO ‘opens the…

People in this episode

Host: Sally Bulkeley

Guest: Mike Outram

Topics covered

  • border security
  • national strategy
  • transnational crime
  • AI in governance
  • economic benefits
  • public trust

Keywords

  • border security
  • Australia
  • AI
  • transnational crime
  • economic benefits
  • public trust
  • governance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ANU National Security College, Australian Border Force, ACIC

Places: Australia

More episodes of The National Security Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The National Security Podcast podcast page.