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

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