Join the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney for a lunch forum on Monday, 16 February (12.30-2pm) with The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Leader of the Opposition and Federal Member for Hume.

As Australia faces its most dangerous strategic environment since the Second World War, credible national defence will be decided by capability and delivery, not planning cycles alone. In a major address, Angus Taylor will argue that defending Australia’s future depends on economic strength, industrial capacity, and hard reform decisions to restore sovereignty, prosperity, and opportunity. Restoring confidence in the national project, he will contend, is essential to ensuring Australia remains both capable of defending itself and confident to defend its future.

Following the speech, Angus will be joined by CIS Executive Director, Michael Stutchbury.

The Hon Angus Taylor MP has served as the Federal Member for Hume since 2013, bringing extensive experience in economics, strategy and public policy to Parliament. Angus has held senior ministerial positions including Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, and Shadow Treasurer. In May 2025, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Defence.

Michael Stutchbury is the Executive Director of the Centre for Independent Studies and former Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Financial Review from 2011 to 2024. He has had a distinguished career in business and economic journalism spanning several decades.

Centre for Independent Studies is an Australian think tank founded in 1976 that specialises in public policy research in areas including economics, education, culture and energy policy. CIS promotes free choice and individual liberty, and defends cultural freedom and the open exchange of ideas.

Contact the host of NEXT50 Series: Strengthening Australia with Angus Taylor