# Securing a trusted workforce to tackle project bottlenecks

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/australian-defence-magazine-podcast-444038/securing-a-trusted-workforce-to-tackle-project-bottlenecks
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/australian-defence-magazine-podcast-444038/securing-a-trusted-workforce-to-tackle-project-bottlenecks.md
Podcast: [Australian Defence Magazine Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/australian-defence-magazine-podcast-444038)
Published: 2026-05-13T00:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.australiandefence.com.au/podcasts
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cbf864d2-e616-439a-915b-417f9d9ccf5c.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/australian-defence-magazine-podcast-444038/episodes/securing-a-trusted-workforce-to-tackle-project-bottlenecks
Duration seconds: 1888

## Resource

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Matt Kirk, the Director of Trusted Workforce at Worksec, and we’ll be discussing the importance of a trusted workforce. We begin our discussion by exploring the current workforce issue in defence and government sectors, focusing on the bottleneck caused by trust concerns rather than technological limitations. We examine how projects can be delayed due to personnel clearance issues, with companies often finding themselves unable to proceed because they lack cleared staff at critical stages like tendering. The conversation delves into why this issue hasn't been fixed yet, highlighting factors such as supply chain competition and sovereignty concerns. There's a significant backlog of clearances needed for defense projects globally. We also assess the threats posed by an unvetted workforce, particularly insider risk when working with sensitive information or classified positions. The ability to vet humans remains one of the biggest challenges in security clearance processes. We wrap up by discussing how WorkSec helps resolve these workforce trust issues through their 'Security Officer as a Service' offering, allowing companies to outsource governance and compliance tasks entirely while still meeting mandatory requirements like DISP membership criteria. Links: WorkSec: https://worksec.au/ This episode has been sponsored by WorkSec. ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title ( www.australiandefence.com.au ). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Austr…

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## Transcript

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