Fortress Australia uncovers one of the most extraordinary chapters in Australia's history – the brazen attempt by successive Australian governments to fortress the nation with atomic weapons. This groundbreaking film reveals a web of intrigue as it penetrates a murky world of diplomatic double-dealing and atomic espionage. Set against a backdrop of cold war paranoia and fear of Asian aggression, it explores the motives of the politicians, defence chiefs and scientists who set out to buy, then ultimately build, a nuclear arsenal.

(2001, 55 mins) A Film Australia National Interest Program. Produced with the assistance of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

© National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.