Lead
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy is set to deliver a significant address at the National Press Club today, making the case that the Labor Party is the natural party for defence and national security. According to excerpts of the speech provided to the ABC, Conroy will frame this argument around an ideal he describes as "progressive patriotism," seeking to align progressive politics with a strong national defence posture.
The speech comes just three weeks before Labor's national conference, a gathering that has historically exposed internal tensions within the party's broader membership over defence policy. Conroy, a senior figure in the party's left faction, will use the opportunity to argue that defending democracy, sovereignty, and the Australian way of life is a progressive cause in itself.
Coverage Comparison
Both ABC Australia and The Guardian — World have reported on Conroy's upcoming speech, though their coverage differs in emphasis. ABC Australia focused extensively on the content of the address, including Conroy's criticism of the Defence establishment and the proposed abolition of the Defence Investment Committee. The Guardian — World provided a more neutral preview, highlighting the speech's anticipated arguments without delving into the specific policy details.
ABC Australia's coverage, which appears to be based on excerpts provided to the outlet, characterises Conroy's tone as critical towards the Defence establishment, particularly regarding what he describes as a "lack of discipline" leading to cost blowouts. The Guardian — World's preview, meanwhile, takes a more observational approach, noting the upcoming speech without offering additional analysis or commentary.
Key Claims
'Progressive Patriotism' and AUKUS
At the heart of Conroy's argument is the assertion that Labor is the natural party for defence, thanks to a philosophy he calls "progressive patriotism." As reported by ABC Australia, Conroy will tell the National Press Club that "progressive patriotism recognises that defending our democracy, sovereignty and way of life is therefore also worth doing, just as much as any other element of what we seek to do as progressives."
The minister will also emphasise Australia's alliance with the United States, saying, "It means we still stand tall with our great friend and ally — the United States. But, at the same time, we can have self-reliance within the alliance — and strategic autonomy." This framing appears designed to reassure party members who have expressed reservations about the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact.
The parliamentary Labor Party has firmly backed AUKUS since it was first proposed under the Morrison government, pouring billions into the initiative since taking office. However, the party's broader membership has raised concerns at previous national conferences, and Labor MP Ed Husic has recently called for a "rethink" of the pact following a change that saw Australia acquire three in-service Virginia-class submarines rather than two in-service and one newly built.
Cost Blowouts and Defence Reform
Conroy is also expected to attribute tens of billions of dollars in cost blowouts on major defence projects to what he describes as a "lack of discipline" within the Defence establishment. This claim, reported by ABC Australia, is supported by a recent assessment that found a $29 billion increase in costs between when projects were first initiated and when they received final approval.
In a significant structural move, Conroy will announce the abolition of the Defence Investment Committee, which he argues spends too much time "noting" recommendations and contributes little to the decision-making process. This change is part of a broader reform agenda that includes what the Albanese government describes as the largest increase in peacetime defence investment ever, along with the most significant reforms to the Department of Defence in 50 years.
Perspectives
Government's View
The Albanese government, through Minister Conroy, is presenting defence as a core Labor value, linking national security with progressive ideals. The government's narrative emphasises the need for reform to address inefficiencies and cost overruns, positioning Labor as the party best equipped to manage Australia's defence needs in partnership with allies like the United States.
Skeptics Within the Labor Movement
The speech comes against a backdrop of internal dissent, particularly over AUKUS. Labor MP Ed Husic has been among those critical of the pact, calling for a "rethink" in light of the shift to Virginia-class submarines. The broader Labor membership has also debated AUKUS at past national conferences, highlighting ongoing tensions between the parliamentary leadership and the party's grassroots on defence and national security issues.