Australia politics live: defence industry minister to spruik Labor’s ‘progressive patriotism’ as audits reveal waste

Australia's Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, is set to articulate the government's "progressive patriotism" at the National Press Club, framing strong national defense and a robust industry as integral to this concept. Conroy intends to argue that the Labor government, not the Coalition, is the true custodian of defense and national security.

This address coincides with the release of the 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy and details of the government's defense reform process. Reports indicate Conroy will highlight nearly $30 billion in wasteful spending on defense projects. An audit found that a small sample of projects saw their average cost increase by almost 40%, or $29 billion, before final contracts were signed.

Conroy plans to state that "Progressive patriotism, in the eyes of the Albanese government – and the great labour movement – is confidence in, and celebration of, what our national project has built. It is confidence in how it is evolving, and confidence in the future." He will emphasize that strong national defense, including investment in industry, personnel, and systems, is a critical component of this vision, offering deterrence and protecting Australia's achievements.

In separate news, a Taiwanese national has been charged over a failed people-smuggling operation. Approximately 12 individuals, believed to be Chinese nationals, arrived by boat on a remote north Queensland beach. The group startled campers before being apprehended. The 34-year-old Taiwanese man faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the aggravated people-smuggling offense involving at least five people. Another man is also being held for further inquiries.

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Progressive patriotism, in the eyes of the Albanese government – and the great labour movement – is confidence in, and celebration of, what our national project has built It is confidence in how it is evolving, and confidence in the future. Strong defence of our country – including the need to invest in our defence industry, people and systems – is a critical part of understanding what Australian progressive patriotism looks like today. Building our defence industry, delivering the capabilities we need, is an investment in our country and offers the further dividend of deterrence to protect what our great national project has built.