Podcasts Government Defence Connect Podcast Network INSIGHT: Proposing an alternative plan for Defence Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant minister for defence

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

Published: March 18, 2021, 2:16 a.m.

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\u2019s 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\xa0SEA\xa01000\xa0program, and stresses the need for a clearer framework to ensure delivery of the Attack Class submarines aligns with the nation\u2019s strategic agenda.

Swanson then goes on to outline the Labor opposition\u2019s 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\xa0Defence\xa0and defence industry, to ensure the next generation of platforms are equipped to meet the nation\u2019s national security objectives.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team