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Articles by Chris Taylor
Do 'fuel breaks' stack up for us and our forests?
Victoria plans thousands of kilometres of fuel breaks, but evidence suggests they could damage endangered forests, increase carbon emissions and deliver limited protection against the most dangerous bushfires. The Victorian Government is planning to construct up to 6,000 km of fuel breaks across the state. Some of them will be through areas of high conservation value forest.
Do 'fuel breaks' stack up for us and our forests?
Victoria plans thousands of kilometres of fuel breaks, but evidence suggests they could damage endangered forests, increase carbon emissions and deliver limited protection against the most dangerous bushfires. The Victorian Government is planning to construct up to 6,000 km of fuel breaks across the state. Some of them will be through areas of high conservation value forest.
The Evolution of Mexican Cuisine in the United States: A Culinary Paradox
The landscape of Mexican dining in the United States has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from homogenized, standardized offerings to a sophisticated showcase of regional diversity. While the broader political discourse surrounding immigration remains deeply polarized, the American culinary scene has paradoxically embraced a golden age of Mexican gastronomy that prioritizes authenticity, ancestral techniques, and hyper-regional ingredients.
Does stopping native forest logging in Australia really kill orangutans?
The trope that ending native forest logging in Australia would be ‘a very bad day for orangutans’ does not stack up. The Nationals Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, claimed in the Australian Parliament last year that an end to native forest logging in Australia would be ‘a very bad day for orangutans, because we just import more timber from developing nations’. This is a trope.
Does stopping native forest logging in Australia really kill orangutans?
The trope that ending native forest logging in Australia would be ‘a very bad day for orangutans’ does not stack up. The Nationals Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, claimed in the Australian Parliament last year that an end to native forest logging in Australia would be ‘a very bad day for orangutans, because we just import more timber from developing nations’. This is a trope.
Many, varied audiences for ASIO’s Annual Threat Assessment
When the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation speaks, people tend to listen. And in his annual threat assessment address last night – his seventh – Mike Burgess was speaking to multiple audiences, including those threatening Australia’s security and the public in whose name ASIO acts. For the former, his message was a warning: ASIO has their number.
A dying pastime: duck hunting in Victoria
OPINION There is ongoing turmoil in the native forest logging industry, as revealed in the ABC’s Four Corners program that aired last night. The evidence presented was unambiguous: the native forest logging industry has been in financial, social, and environmental decline for decades. OPINION The H5N1 flu strain poses an existential threat to Australian agriculture and wildlife – many species already classed as threatened.
Victoria claims to have stopped native logging. So why is it importing Tasmanian forests? Original
There is ongoing turmoil in the native forest logging industry, as revealed in the ABC’s Four Corners program that aired last night. The evidence presented was unambiguous: the native forest logging industry has been in financial, social, and environmental decline for decades. Yet it continues to be financially supported by federal and state government subsidies that are detrimental to the economy, environmental integrity and the efficient spending of taxpayer dollars.
Australia’s intelligence community can’t meet the AI age with an analogue product
The national intelligence community (NIC) has spent the past quarter-century building effective collection, processing and analytic capability. But if intelligence arrives in the wrong form, at the wrong speed or in a way poorly matched to how consumers (think ministers, officials and operators) increasingly absorb information, it will lose influence. That is the central argument of my new ASPI report, Reading the Room: Redesigning intelligence product for the AI age.
Should we bring back native forest logging? The answer is a clear no
Native forest logging is economically costly, environmentally damaging and socially divisive, and should not be revived in Victoria or Western Australia or maintained in Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. Recent commentary from pro-forestry advocates suggests that we should bring back native forest logging in Victoria and Western Australia and maintain it in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Should we bring back native forest logging? The answer is a clear no
Native forest logging is economically costly, environmentally damaging and socially divisive, and should not be revived in Victoria or Western Australia or maintained in Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. Recent commentary from pro-forestry advocates suggests that we should bring back native forest logging in Victoria and Western Australia and maintain it in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Victoria sued over native log supply
In 2025, the paper manufacturing company Opal, operator of the Maryvale pulp and paper mill in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, started legal proceedings against the Victorian government, alleging a breach of the state’s obligation to supply the company with pulp logs for papermaking. The Maryvale Mill is demanding more than $400 million in compensation from the Victorian government.
The brown marble - Openforum
The loss of our forests is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. Forests are key to curbing carbon emissions and protecting the plants, animals and humans that call Earth home. However, we’re losing our forests at an alarming rate. Our new study shows we’ve lost roughly 300 million hectares over the past 11 years. However, it’s unclear how much of this forest has since been restored.
Our efforts to halt global forest loss aren’t working: new research
The loss of our forests is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. Forests are key to curbing carbon emissions and protecting the plants, animals and humans that call Earth home. However, we’re losing our forests at an alarming rate. Our new study shows we’ve lost roughly 300 million hectares over the past 11 years. However, it’s unclear how much of this forest has since been restored.
Logging and thinning are putting Alpine Ash forests at risk
Australia’s Alpine Ash forests are endangered and highly vulnerable to fire. Logging, thinning and burning are increasing that risk – not reducing it. Australia has many kinds of beautiful forest. One of these is Alpine Ash forest, which occurs in montane areas in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. The tall, straight trees in these forests can exceed 60 metres in height.
Bondi royal commission needs full visibility—without creating new security risks | The Strategist
Thank you for the invitation to appear today in relation to the Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill. I register my strong support for the establishment of the royal commission to inquire into the 14 December 2025 terrorist atrocity at Bondi. A royal commission was the only appropriate response to the worst terrorist attack yet carried out on Australian soil, against a background of sustained political violence, extremism and antisemitism.
Replicating Sydney 2000’s success means addressing Brisbane 2032’s security requirements now
The 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics were arguably the greatest ever. Their preparation also kickstarted the last quarter century of Australian national security capability building—considerably before 9/11, to which Australia was able to respond from more than a standing start. Securing the Olympics was a forcing function, just as the 1999 Timor crisis jolted Defence from complacency about strategic insulation and operational readiness (and self-reliance) before the wars of the 21st century.
Ten issues facing the new director-general of national intelligence
For the first time in its 47-year history, Australia’s Office of National Intelligence (ONI, previously Office of National Assessments [ONA]) is led by a woman: Kathy Klugman, senior diplomat and prime-ministerial adviser. Today’s deteriorating strategic environment means Klugman and ONI face significant challenges but also important opportunities. But responding effectively will require a boldness for which ONI/ONA is not renowned.
See no evil - Openforum
As the first public figure to call for a royal commission into the Bondi atrocity, I initially thought making that case was redundant. Surely the federal government would act quickly along those lines? After all, how could there not be a royal commission following the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil? Yet, three weeks on, despite public clamour, the government’s officially unmoved.
A Bondi royal commission would let the intelligence community speak, and expose some polite fictions
As the first public figure to call for a royal commission into the Bondi atrocity, I initially thought making that case was redundant. Surely the federal government would act quickly along those lines? After all, how could there not be a royal commission following the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil? Yet, three weeks on, despite public clamour, the government’s officially unmoved.
Bondi terror: we’ll need a wide-ranging royal commission
There’s much we don’t know, less than 24 hours after the 14 December atrocity at Bondi Beach. But we do know it was the worst terrorist attack ever carried out on Australian soil. It specifically targeted Jewish Australians. It involved at least two people (now understood to be father and son), and they had access to what in Australia would be regarded as high-powered weapons.
Why Australia’s terrorism definition still works
The definition of a ‘terrorist act’ included in Australia’s Criminal Code since 2002 has been important in protecting Australia’s national security and reinforcing the resilience of our democratic institutions. That definition, currently the subject of an inquiry by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM), continues to be relevant and effective. It should be retained with minimal revision.
Mines over water: Melbourne’s largest and most important water supply catchment at risk
On 21 October 2025, the Victorian Government announced plans to protect Melbourne’s water supply catchments – the systems that deliver clean water to over five million people. It was welcome news for Australia’s largest and fastest growing city. But the Victorian Government made a glaring omission: the Thomson catchment – the largest and most important of them all.
Focusing on the EPBC but dropping the ball on protection
While national environmental attention is fixed on EPBC Act reforms in Canberra, some Australian states have dropped the ball on forest protection – and this is seriously undermining Australia’s target of protecting 30% of the continent by 2030. Recent announcements in Victoria and Queensland make this clear. Queensland has announced an expansion of native forest logging, while Victoria has reneged on key forest protections and paved the way for logging to restart in its state forests.
Criminal code amendment strengthens defences against state-sponsored terrorism
Australia has closed a critical gap in national security legislation to ensure the government can designate foreign state entities as sponsors of terrorism and criminalise support for them.
ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers could be permanent and broader
The Australian Parliament’s Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is reviewing legislation confirming the reality of an extraordinary, rarely used intelligence capability that has been part of national security law for 22 years: the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s compulsory questioning powers. The bill also hones and configures the powers for Australia’s security environment, both current and foreshadowed.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Espionage
Chris Taylor The Strategist (ASPI) October 30, 2025 Artificial Intelligence is not simply another technological tool; it’s a transformative force reshaping the foundations of intelligence and national security. Read Full Article » Show comments Hide Comments Related Articles
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Espionage
Artificial Intelligence is not simply another technological tool; it’s a transformative force reshaping the foundations of intelligence and national security.
Artificial intelligence and the future of espionage
Artificial intelligence is not simply another technological tool; it’s a transformative force reshaping the foundations of intelligence and national security.
Artificial intelligence and the future of espionage
Artificial Intelligence is not simply another technological tool; it’s a transformative force reshaping the foundations of intelligence and national security.
If you go down to the forests today, you’re in for a big surprise (mass deforestation)
Visit many areas of state forest in parts of Victoria and you might get a shock – the forest isn’t there. It used to be there — logged four, five, six or ten years ago — and once stood as tall, straight trees, sometimes more than 50 metres high. Now, no longer. The forest has failed to regenerate after being logged by former Victorian Government agency, VicForests. The photo below is far from an isolated case.
MI6 chief’s farewell tells us how an ancient craft continues to evolve
Last week, Sir Richard Moore, chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, gave a public address before handing over the reins of the organisation better known as MI6. By tradition, he’s known as C, as will be his successor, Blaise Metreweli, who will also be the first woman in the job. Moore didn’t give a mere sign-off speech. It was a comprehensive examination of the issues facing intelligence services globally, including those in Australia.
MI6 chief’s farewell tells us how an ancient craft continues to evolve
Last week Sir Richard Moore, chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, gave a public address before handing over the reins of the organisation better known as MI6. By tradition, he’s known as C, as will be his successor, Blaise Metreweli, who will also be the first woman in the job. Moore didn’t give a mere sign-off speech. It was a comprehensive encapsulation of the issues facing intelligence services globally, including Australia’s.
History rhymes - Openforum
We see it often enough. A democracy deals with an authoritarian state, and those who oppose concessions cite the lesson of Munich 1938: make none to dictators; take a firm stand. And so we hear those voices today as US President Donald Trump proposes that Ukraine sacrifice territory for peace with Russia. This is not to say that those who cite the lesson of Munich are always wrong, or even wrong in this case. It’s just that they may not always be right.
Logging devastated Victoria’s native forests - and new research shows 20% has failed to grow back
Following the end of native logging in Victoria on January 1 2024, the state’s majestic forests might be expected to regenerate and recover naturally. But our new research shows that’s not always the case. We quantified the extent of regeneration following logging in the eucalypt forests of southeastern Australia between 1980 and 2019. This included nearly 42,000 hectares of logged mountain ash forest in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Bilateral Consequences of Compromised Intelligence Operations, 1985-2020
Executive Summary It is a staple of screenwriters and novelists, subject of stock news footage, and a spectre haunting the dreams of ambassadors: a spy, unmasked, probably handcuffed, bundled between burly thugs; riots outside embassies with flags and effigies alight; newspaper headlines blaring outrage; and the chilling words persona non grata. Another intelligence operation compromised, and a carefully crafted diplomatic relationship ruined. To what extent, however, are these fears borne out?
Stepping up our security game - Openforum
In the late 1970s Australian sport underwent institutional innovation propelling it to new heights. Today, Australia must urgently adapt to a contested and confronting strategic environment. Contributing to this, a new ASPI research project will examine technology’s role in fostering national security innovation, particularly in transcending business as usual. Australians love sport, especially the Olympics. They particularly love winning—even if they only beat New Zealand.
Technology can make Team Australia fit for strategic competition
In the late 1970s Australian sport underwent institutional innovation propelling it to new heights. Today, Australia must urgently adapt to a contested and confronting strategic environment. Contributing to this, a new ASPI research project will examine technology’s role in fostering national security innovation, particularly in transcending business as usual. Australians love sport, especially the Olympics. They particularly love winning—even if they only beat New Zealand.
Intelligence on the agenda - Openforum
The unclassified version of the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review (IIR) was released today. It’s a welcome and worthy sequel to its 2017 predecessor, with an ambitious set of recommendations for enhancements to Australia’s national intelligence community (NIC).
The Independent Intelligence Review is finally out, and it’s a worthy sequel
The unclassified version of the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review (IIR) was released today. It’s a welcome and worthy sequel to its 2017 predecessor, with an ambitious set of recommendations for enhancements to Australia’s national intelligence community (NIC).
Trump’s upending of US intelligence: implications for Australia
Australia has no room for complacency as it watches the second Trump Administration upend the US Intelligence Community (USIC). The evident mutual advantages of the US-Australian intelligence partnership and of the Five Eyes alliance more generally are not enough to guarantee preservation of benefits.
The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment: ASIO makes the case for ‘national’ security
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director-General Mike Burgess called on Wednesday night for national security that’s truly national. Only through such a broad-ranging and joined approach across governments and society can Australia navigate the deteriorating security outlook to 2030, as assessed by ASIO. Burgess was delivering his sixth public Annual Threat Assessment.
Drifting into danger: will we ever see the independent intelligence review?
The road to hell is apparently paved with good intentions. But often, it’s tarmac laid with thoughtlessness and passivity. Two years ago the Albanese government described Australia’s immigration policy as broken, owing to unplanned, temporary migration flows since 2005. It claimed this ‘happened without any real policy debate or discussion.
Countering foreign interference: the government should name names
It didn’t receive much publicity amid summertime’s distractions, but Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke unveiled on 14 January what’s been described as the ‘first ever analysis of foreign interference and espionage threats’. It’s safer say the first publicly released by the Australian government. It’s a step towards what we need: political leaders explaining these threats and naming the sources of these dangers. But it’s only a step, because the document still doesn’t name names.
Stepping out of the shadows: ASIS asks publicly, ‘Do you want in on the secret?’
It’s not often that the Australian government’s most secretive agency steps out of the shadows. But that’s what happened on Tuesday night when Kerri Hartland, director-general of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), gave a speech in Canberra exploring the psychology and mechanics of Australian human-intelligence (humint) operations. That Hartland, who became ASIS’s first female director-general early last year, gave a public speech is itself novel.
Climate and Security Policy Centre
The impacts of climate change are already being felt globally in record-setting extreme weather events that are contributing to poverty, hunger and humanitarian disasters. The pace at which these and other climate impacts emerge is accelerating. The existing commitments States have made to reduce greenhouse gases are inadequate to prevent warming beyond the two-degree cap set in the Paris Climate Agreement.
‘You’ll shut me down with a push of your button’: 21st century sabotage
Hezbollah’s pagers and radios surreptitiously changed into anti-personnel explosive devices and detonated across Lebanon and Syria. Russia-linked fires plague European and American factories supporting Ukraine’s defence. Ukrainian nationals implicated in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline bombing. Concerns raised about Chinese components in systems internationally, at moments of future crisis. Alarm on the Olympics’ opening day, as arsonists strike France’s high-speed railway network.
Balancing secrecy and transparency: the value of being a sceptic in a post-Spycatcher world
When Peter Wright remarked: ‘That will fix the bastards’, while leaving the NSW Supreme Court witness box on 8 December 1986, he was firing a salvo in the ‘Spycatcher affair’, a political and legal controversy that is remembered as a defiant win for transparency over secrecy. But the actual lesson of Spycatcher is that not all revelations about intelligence matters should be considered uncritically.
All the petshop galahs are asking: where’s the Independent Intelligence Review?
We are coming up to the first anniversary of Prime Minister Albanese announcing an Independent Intelligence Review and we are yet to know the results of that review. On 22 September 2023, he said that: This Independent Review will make sure that our intelligence agencies are best positioned to serve the Australian national interest, respond to future capability and workforce challenges, and continue to protect our security, prosperity and values.
20 years since the Australian embassy bombing in Jakarta
Twenty years ago today, on a Thursday morning, an innocuous white delivery van stuttered towards the gate of the Australian embassy in Jakarta. Seconds later, an explosion shattered windows for blocks around and left 10 Indonesians dead, including embassy security staff and a mother waiting in the visa line with her young daughter. More than 200 Indonesians and Australians were injured, mainly by flying glass.
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