Australians are increasingly anxious about the nation’s security. New research shows that concerns about artificial intelligence, economic instability, disinformation, and foreign interference have surged over the previous year.
Early findings from two nationally representative surveys by the National Security College (NSC) at The Australian National University (ANU) reveal that the weaponisation of AI is now seen as the country’s most serious emerging threat. It was ranked ahead of the prospect of a severe economic crisis and disruption to critical supplies.
The surveys — conducted in November 2024 and July 2025, capturing responses from more than 12,000 Australians — asked participants to assess the seriousness of 15 potential risks, ranging from technological disruption to terrorism, civil unrest, and a foreign military attack.
77 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about AI being used to attack Australians or Australian businesses.
Disinformation was close behind: 73 per cent worried about the deliberate spread of false information to mislead and harm the public.
Foreign interference also rated strongly: 72 per cent were concerned that a foreign country could attempt to interfere with Australia’s politics, government, economy or society in the next decade.
Economic anxiety also remains pronounced: 75 per cent identified a severe economic crisis as a ‘moderate’ to ‘major’ threat; and 74 per cent were concerned about a disruption to critical supplies caused by a crisis overseas.
Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of the NSC, said the findings show “Australians generally have a sound and responsive understanding of the worsening security landscape we find ourselves in”.
The research indicates public anxiety about national security is rising. By July 2025, half of respondents agreed (36 per cent) or strongly agreed (14 per cent) that they were worried about Australia’s national security — an eight-point increase since November 2024.
Asked what the government should prioritise over the next five years, 35 per cent nominated safe and peaceful communities as the top national goal. Economic prosperity followed at 26 per cent, ahead of protecting Australia’s democratic rights (23 per cent) and strengthening Australia’s security (15 per cent).
Professor Medcalf said the emphasis on community safety offered “a valuable point of national convergence in confronting times”.
The surveys are part of a broader NSC Community Consultations project involving nationwide interviews and public submissions. A full report will be released at the NSC’s Securing our Future: a ready and resilient Australia conference at ANU in March 2026.
