Global Shield Special Briefing: A preliminary government assessment of global catastrophic risk
The latest policy, research and news on global catastrophic risk (GCR). On 30 October, the RAND Corporation released an assessment of existential and global catastrophic risk. It is an extensive and lengthy treatment of six catastrophic threats: nuclear war, climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence, asteroid or comet impacts, and supervolcanoes. This report is particularly important […]
Global Shield Briefing (April 2026)
The latest policy, research and news on global catastrophic risk (GCR). Global catastrophic risk can be viewed from various perspectives – economic, security, technological, scientific, environmental, humanitarian, ethical. Ultimately, it is challenge for governance. How do political leaders think, decide and govern in, and for, a deteriorating risk environment? This month’s briefing explores this question. […]
Global Shield Briefing (March 2026)
The latest policy, research and news on global catastrophic risk (GCR). Strategic competition between major powers has dominated the geopolitical landscape over the past decade. But as this month’s briefing highlights, middle powers and regional groups have a major role in reducing global catastrophic risk. From India to Australia to other OECD countries, from ASEAN […]
Submission to the Department of Home Affairs’ Consultation on Proposed Enhancements to the Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program Rules
Introduction and Executive Summary Global Shield Australia welcomes the Department of Home Affairs’ (the Department) proposed enhancements to the Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP) rules1 and the opportunity to provide a submission on the proposed changes. Global Shield Australia is a non-profit policy advocacy organisation dedicated to reducing global catastrophic risk. We support governments […]
Global Shield Briefing (February 2026)
The latest policy, research and news on global catastrophic risk (GCR). The start of every year typically comes with a swath of global risk lists and assessments. From scientists, think tanks, risk specialists, geopolitical consultants, insurance companies – each have their own view. Regardless of the methodology, the message is clear: 2026 is a year […]
Global Shield Briefing (24 December 2025)
The latest policy, research and news on global catastrophic risk (GCR). As the year comes to a close, it is time to take stock. Is global risk increasing or decreasing? Is our preparedness building or declining? Is governance strengthening or weakening? Are governments collaborating or splitting? Are people getting more hopeful or more gloomy? Are […]
SUBMISSION TO THE CONSULTATION ON THE Independent Review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act
This submission focuses on the fourth question raised by the Independent Reviewer, namely “are there new or emergent threats the SOCI Act is unable to manage in its current form?”. Our review has identified four key areas in which the SOCI Act regime needs to adapt to keep pace with modern threats and hazards. First, […]
Seven Reasons Australia Needs to Act on AI Risk
Australia’s artificial intelligence (AI) policy debate is at a crossroads. Decisions made in the coming months will determine whether Australians are able to trust AI and capture its benefits or whether we are left exposed to unacceptable and avoidable risk. Calls to wait for yet further reviews ignore the evidence that action is needed now. […]
Global Shield Briefing (24 November 2025)
The latest policy, research and news on global catastrophic risk (GCR). Our view – unsurprisingly – is that the world is becoming increasingly risky. The risk from climate change, pandemics, weapons of mass destruction, emerging technologies and mother nature is not reducing. Mostly because the political, societal, economic, technological and environmental drivers underpinning them are […]
Global Shield Australia’s Responses to JSCEM’s Questions on Notice
1. Are there some practical examples around climate change or broader globalthreats to disenfranchisement? The next few decades will be characterised by increasing challenges for Australia, with converging threats posed by climate change, geopolitical tensions, resource constraints, health insecurity, and artificial intelligence. Each of these will create challenges for Australia’s democracy, including for the ability […]