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: PODCAST: Defence export ambitions, drone technology and defence manufacturing hubs
Episode 10: PODCAST: Offshore manufacturing, defence procurement and industrial resilience, with Philippe Odouard and David McLaughlin
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Cyber warfare, autonomy and the future of defence, with Palo Alto Networks’ Tom Scully and MAJGEN (Ret’d) John Davis
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: Fortune favours the bold – building a national security strategy for the 21st century, with Marc Ablong
Episode 7: PODCAST: Developing Australia’s ability to take a hit and keep fighting, with the honourable Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability
Episode 6: PODCAST: AUKUS expansion, artillery manufacturing and Australia’s regional defence role
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 4: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 2: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert