Australia has launched its first parliamentary inquiry since the Second World War into how the nation can prepare for the impact of a major conflict. The bipartisan committee will examine how government, businesses, and communities could work together to maintain essential services, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure supplies of food, fuel, fertiliser, and other necessities during a national emergency. Defence minister Richard Marles said Australia had enjoyed decades of relative peace but now faced a more uncertain strategic environment, making stronger civil preparedness increasingly important. Ministers stressed that the inquiry does not assume war is inevitable, but seeks to identify strengths and weaknesses in the nation’s resilience should a regional conflict or other major crisis occur. The committee will also study how allied nations have strengthened national preparedness and supply chain security. Public submissions will be accepted until November before recommendations are presented to Parliament later this year.