Kevin Rudd says 'elevated possibility' of Chinese military action against Taiwan in 2028 | ABC NEWS

Australia faces unprecedented strategic, economic, and technological challenges, requiring a radical shift from a complacent national mindset to one of urgency and shared purpose. Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd argues that the nation must move beyond being a passive participant in global affairs to actively carving out its own terms of engagement. This necessitates a robust industry policy across seven critical sectors—including AI, biotechnology, and defense—to foster sovereign capabilities and economic resilience. Central to this strategy is the need for a professional public service focused on measurable outcomes rather than bureaucratic process. Furthermore, maintaining national security in an era of heightened US-China competition demands a commitment to deterrence, supported by the AUKUS alliance and a clear-eyed understanding of the risks posed by autonomous AI and shifting global power dynamics.