UPDATE: Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has issued a stark warning about Australia’s future, declaring the nation is in the midst of a ‘national crisis’ that demands urgent action on defence, economy, and social cohesion. Speaking on January 5, 2026, during a podcast with former Deputy PM John Anderson, Abbott stated, ‘Economically, we’re in decline. Socially, we’re more divided than we’ve been for years.’
Abbott’s alarming assessment underscores the severe challenges facing Australia, as he claims the country is ‘largely oblivious’ to its perilous state. He emphasized three critical priorities for the government: national security, justice, and economic strength.
‘If you want social harmony, you have to have justice,’ Abbott insisted, warning that the current trajectory amounts to ‘intergenerational theft.’ He described the troubling reality where Australians are ‘borrowing from children unborn,’ leaving future generations with an unsustainable tax burden.
Abbott’s call for action extends to national unity, stating, ‘We’ve got to be one country, one people.’ He argued that preserving the Anglo-Celtic culture and Judeo-Christian ethos is essential for social cohesion, particularly as Australia welcomes migrants seeking a better life.
Without immediate changes, Abbott warned that Australia’s freedom and prosperity are at grave risk. ‘We need a plan for a stronger economy, a more cohesive society, and greater security,’ he stated emphatically. ‘Right now, we have none of that.’
Abbott criticized the Albanese Government for reallocating $80 billion from short-term defence capabilities to long-term projects under the AUKUS agreement, labeling the move as ‘grossly inadequate.’ He posed a pointed question: ‘How can we claim to be leaders in dangerous times while our capabilities decline?’
He described the government’s current approach as ‘analysis paralysis,’ stressing the need for decisive action. ‘We need offensive and defensive missile systems, more ships, more planes, and more personnel,’ he urged, noting that Australia is currently 5,000 personnel short of its military establishment.
Abbott also called for the immediate procurement of two new squadrons of F-35s and the conversion of existing ships into aircraft carriers, emphasizing that delays are detrimental to national security. ‘Make decisions, get things done,’ he implored. ‘This obsession with funding is typical of a government that thinks improvements can be bought instead of made.’
Currently, Australia plans to increase its defence budget by $50.3 billion over the next decade, aiming for 2.3% of GDP by the early 2030s. However, security experts warn this is insufficient given escalating regional threats. The United States has suggested Australia should aim for a defence spending of 3% of GDP to adequately prepare for future challenges.
As Abbott’s warnings resonate, the urgency for comprehensive policy changes in Australia has never been clearer. The nation must confront these challenges head-on to secure its future.
