Aussies Fear Foreign Attack, Security Tensions Rise

0:00A new study from the Australian National University reveals that nearly half of Australians, 45%, believe a foreign military could. Attack the country within five years. That's the top worry among rising national security fears, based on surveys of more than 20,000 people conducted from late 2024, through early 2026. Other big concerns include Australia getting pulled into an overseas military conflict, which 69% see as likely, soon, along with. AI-driven attacks, disinformation, supply chain breakdowns, climate disasters, foreign meddling, and deep economic troubles. 85% or more expect those to hit by the end of the decade. Australians rate a direct onshore attack as their biggest fear, with 43% calling it a major threat and 36% seeing it as, catastrophic, worry over domestic terrorism has jumped to, up to 72% after recent events like the Bondi attack.

1:00Most folks, over half, also feel the country is poorly prepared for these risks. Meanwhile, real-world tensions are hitting home, with the latest Middle East conflict disrupting global fuel flows. Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed six oil tankers headed to Australia got canceled or delayed, pushing prices higher. As the government scrambles to replace those shipments and smooth out supply bumps ahead, this study underscores how everyday Australians are bracing, for a tougher security road. That wraps Sydney News Today, brought to you with AI.