Former Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo has warned that war in the Pacific could be possible as early as next year if China invades Taiwan.

Pezzullo told Sky News on Friday that Australia needed ‘to think about how we’re going to put the war paint on’ if conflict became a reality.

His comment comes a day after Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy addressed the National Press Club on Thursday to defend the Albanese government’s defence record and announce procurement reforms.

Read more: Bleak warning for Australia that major conflict in the Pacific is a possibility as soon as next year.