INSIGHT: Proposing an alternative plan for Defence — Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant minister for defence

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
Meryl Swanson

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition’s plan for Defence and defence industry.

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition’s plan for Defence and defence industry.

  

Swanson begins by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in politics after years in the media, and how she secured a leadership role in the Defence portfolio.

The shadow assistant minister weighs in on the SEA 1000 program, and stresses the need for a clearer framework to ensure delivery of the Attack Class submarines aligns with the nation’s strategic agenda.

Swanson then goes on to outline the Labor opposition’s broader plan to enhance capability by boosting defence spending as a proportion of GDP and further developing sovereign industrial capability.

The MP concludes by noting the importance of encouraging more Australians to forge careers in Defence and defence industry, to ensure the next generation of platforms are equipped to meet the nation’s national security objectives.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 10: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 9: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 8: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 6: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 4: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 2: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully