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.

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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

Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 521: CONTESTED GROUND: Regaining the qualitative advantage
Episode 520: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025? Part 2
Episode 519: PODCAST: Boosting women’s involvement in defence industry, with Rachel Falzon, Women in Defence Association
Episode 518: SPOTLIGHT: Delivering a sovereign small arms and load carriage capability, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 517: PODCAST: Royal Australian Navy minehunters’ new purpose after service, with Frank van der Linde
Episode 516: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025?
Episode 515: PODCAST: Building a robust, fit for purpose ADF, with Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP
Episode 514: CONTESTED GROUND: What Trump’s Panama Canal comments mean for maritime law
Episode 513: SPOTLIGHT: How AIR 6500 will defend Australia’s shores, with Lockheed Martin Australia’s Liam Catterson
Episode 512: SPOTLIGHT: Engaging with Australia’s next-generation Defence STEM workforce, with DSTG’s Dr Carolyn Patteson and Dr Mike Wilson