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As part of the AUKUS Forum Cybersecurity series, the first event was a 🧨 Our panel explored the highs and lows of AI and its impact on cybersecurity over breakfast at Clayton Utz in Sydney. It was good to sit alongside Brenton Steenkamp Dimitri Perdikis Min Livanidis on the panel and have Fiona Douskou moderate. We will continue this series with the AUKUS Forum, examining the significance of cybersecurity in the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US, focusing on advancing defence and security capabilities across critical sectors. Thank you to Michael Sharpe and Fiona Douskou for bringing us together and for Owen Bourke, Brenton Steenkamp and the Clayton Utz team for hosting us.

Australian Companies Fueling U.S. Industrial Strength Australian companies are increasingly expanding their operations into the United States, bringing with them investment, advanced technologies, and skilled talent. These companies play a crucial role in bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base, as well as in creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing capabilities in key industries. For example, Australian firms involved in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and quantum technology are establishing themselves in U.S. technology hubs. By setting up operations on American soil, these companies are creating jobs for U.S. workers, contributing to local economies, and providing expertise in sectors critical to national security. Their presence benefits the U.S. not only by fueling economic growth but also by integrating valuable expertise into defense and technology industries. Enhancing U.S. Defense and Technological Capabilities The AUKUS alliance is designed to leverage each member’s strengths, and Australia’s capabilities are proving invaluable. Australian companies bring specialized knowledge and innovative technologies that directly enhance U.S. defense capabilities. For instance, Australian expertise in undersea warfare, hypersonic technology, and cyber resilience complements U.S. initiatives, allowing for collaborative advancements that might not be possible within a single country. These collaborations also create opportunities for U.S. companies to partner with Australian firms, fostering a two-way flow of innovation and expertise. This synergy is especially important as AUKUS drives forward in developing capabilities like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and counter-hypersonic technologies. By working together, Australian and American companies can achieve faster progress, share critical resources, and deploy solutions that ensure U.S. forces are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. See https://lnkd.in/gXxFmE9M #AUKUS Michael Sharpe

Australian Investment in the U.S. Means American Jobs When Australian companies establish operations in the United States, they create local jobs, foster skill development, and stimulate regional economies. Industries such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and aerospace are of particular interest to Australian businesses under the AUKUS framework. By bringing operations stateside, these companies hire American workers, engage local suppliers, and contribute to the U.S. economy. Boosting U.S. Manufacturing and Industrial Capability The U.S. defense industrial base is a cornerstone of national security, and Australian companies are contributing directly to its strength. As the AUKUS alliance emphasizes advanced capabilities, such as undersea technologies, hypersonics, and electronic warfare, Australian firms bring specialized knowledge and manufacturing capabilities to support U.S. defense needs. These companies are actively seeking opportunities to partner with American defense manufacturers and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), integrating into the supply chain and strengthening domestic production. This influx of expertise bolsters the U.S. defense industry and creates a collaborative ecosystem that enhances innovation and speeds up the development of critical technologies. See https://lnkd.in/gytAWSt2 #AUKUS Michael Sharpe

The United States has much to gain from AUKUS: economic growth, job creation, enhanced technological capabilities, and a strengthened defense industrial base. By working together, we are not only advancing our own national interests but reinforcing an enduring alliance that benefits all. AUKUS is more than an alliance; it is a commitment to a better, safer, and more prosperous world. A History of Loyalty and Shared Values For more than a century, Australia has stood "shoulder to shoulder" with the United States, from World War I to the Korean and Vietnam wars, and through the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. Australia’s commitment is not merely diplomatic; it is embodied in the sacrifices made alongside American troops in every major conflict. General Dynamics Electric Boat, Kevin Brown, Michael Sharpe, Sikorsky, United States Space Force, AUKUS Guardians #AUKUSpassport

The AUKUS framework is not just about defence capabilities; it is a model for economic and industrial cooperation. By collaborating with allied shipyards, we create a resilient maritime force capable of sustaining Indo-Pacific security, while also providing vital economic opportunities and job growth across our alliance nations. As we continue to advocate for policies that expand AUKUS beyond nuclear submarines, it’s essential to emphasize the potential for joint manufacturing, skill development, and supply chain integration. AUKUS Forum 🇦🇺 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 #AUKUS #MaritimeSecurity #AlliedShipbuilding #IndoPacific

The AUKUS partnership continues to reshape the landscape of defense and strategic alliances, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. At the core of this transformation is a recognition that no single nation can bear the full burden of readiness against rising global security challenges. To secure our shared interests, we need bold solutions that expand beyond traditional boundaries. One opportunity lies in harnessing the shipbuilding capabilities of our AUKUS allies, providing a practical response to the pressing shipbuilding and defense demands of our times. A challenge beyond borders. The U.S. Navy’s goal to reach a fleet of 355 ships underscores a broader need for a more resilient, expansive fleet. However, this aspiration is met with significant constraints: an aging shipyard infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the constant pressure of budgetary limitations. The reality is stark—building this fleet domestically could take years, and by then, global security demands may have evolved far beyond our capacity to respond. A stronger alliance extends beyond shipbuilding. The AUKUS framework is not just about defense capabilities; it is a model for economic and industrial cooperation. By collaborating with allied shipyards, we create a resilient maritime force capable of sustaining Indo-Pacific security, while also providing vital economic opportunities and job growth across our alliance nations. See https://lnkd.in/gRBNNq6g #AUKUS Michael Sharpe

See more about our partnership with Banana Shire Council https://lnkd.in/gxcp5NyP

Proud to have facilitated a successful panel with amazing panelists on the topic; The #cybersecurity concerns of #AI on behalf of The AUKUS Forum in conjunction with Clayton Utz A big thank you to Brenton Steenkamp , Owen Bourke, Cameron Payne , Dr Ashley Tsacalos & Skye Milson for all their continued support. It is evident that #ai is the past, present and future of Cybersecurity: As the threat landscape continues to evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cybersecurity, enhancing capabilities, and making defense mechanisms more efficient and robust. The future of cybersecurity is not just about adopting AI, but about leveraging it to augment human expertise and through this: greater security can be achieved. 👉 Watch this space for our next Cyber event early 2025

🚨 AI and Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword 🚨 We had an electrifying breakfast session as part of the AUKUS Forum Cybersecurity Series, diving deep into the highs and lows of AI and its profound impact on cybersecurity! Hosted at Clayton Utz in Sydney, the conversation was rich with insights, debate, and forward-thinking strategies. A huge thank you to our incredible panel and moderator: 🔹 Jacqui Nelson CEO, DekkoSecure & Chair of the #AUKUS Cyber Taskforce 🔹 Min Livanidis – Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft 🔹 Dimitri Perdikis – Applied AI Scientist, Commonwealth Bank🔹 Brenton Steenkamp Partner, Cyber & Data Governance, Clayton Utz 🔹 Fiona Douskou CEO, Palisades Consulting (Moderator) We’re just scratching the surface of what AI means for cybersecurity: it's both a formidable tool for defense and a weapon for cybercriminals. How we manage these twin forces will define the future of cyber resilience. 🌐💻 The AUKUS Forum will continue to explore these cutting-edge topics and the vital role of cybersecurity in strengthening the trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US. Stay tuned as we deliver more impactful sessions, ensuring that our security capabilities stay ahead of the curve! Shout out to our AI Taskforce Chair, Anders Hallgren and AUKUS Forum CEO, Michael Sharpe along with AUKUS Forum Cybersecurity Advisor Fiona Douskou and the Clayton Utz team for making this event a success! #AUKUS #Cybersecurity #AI #DefenseTech #Innovation #CyberResilience #AUKUSForum #ClaytonUtz #AIinCybersecurity #GenerativeAI #Security