How to watch: The War Cabinet, as Chris Uhlmann presents expert discussion on 'imminent' threat of conflict

Sky News AU

8 hours ago

Sky News political contributor Chris Uhlmann will host The War Cabinet, a special program where a group of the nation's foremost defence and security experts will discuss the "imminent" threat of conflict involving Australia.
The War Cabinet will air live on Sky News at 7:30pm AEST on Monday and will also be available to stream online and through the Sky News Australia app.
Uhlmann will be joined by a panel including former foreign minister Alexander Downer, former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon, former department of home affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo, and Strategic Analysis Australia director Peter Jennings.
Drone warfare expert Oleksandra Molloy, CyberCX executive director Katherine Mansted, Strategic Forum CEO Ross Babbage, former major general Mick Ryan, and former naval officer and marine warfare expert Jennifer Parker will also offer key insights into the threats facing Australia.
"The threat of a war involving Australia is far greater and more imminent than the public is being told, according to defence experts," Uhlmann said.
"China is the main threat. An attack on Taiwan the likely flashpoint, and soon, very soon."
Australia's alliance with the United States remains vital, with the AUKUS agreement likely to play a central role.
"I think it would be an absurd and reckless decision for an Australian government not to support the Americans," Mr Downer said.
However, overreliance on the US has also raised concerns about Australia's independent capability, prompting calls for more investment.
"We need to look at a significant, rapid investment of funding into the current Australian defence force," Mr Jennings said.
Those calls reflect the reality Australia would be unable to avoid becoming involved should a major conflict erupt in the Indo-Pacific.
"Can we sit this out? My view is, we really can't," Mr Babbage said.