The National Security Podcast Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific
Jan 22, 2026
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Pacific Islands Affairs, outlines Australia’s integrated statecraft approach. He discusses expanding Pacific partnerships and treaties. He covers defence acquisition reform, the new Defence Delivery Agency, and building sovereign industry like shipbuilding and missile production. He explains balancing domestic build with international partnerships.
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Episode notes
Design Migration To Prevent Brain Drain
- Design migration and assistance programs to avoid brain drain by using mechanisms like random ballots.
- Use deliberate policy design to balance talent flows and partner concerns in Pacific mobility programs.
Pacific Policy As Self-Interest And Obligation
- Pacific engagement is driven by Australia's direct stake: regional prosperity and security affect Australian prosperity and safety.
- Conroy frames Pacific work as self-interest aligned with obligations, not merely great-power manoeuvring.
Defence As Whole‑Of‑Nation Preparedness
- National Defence Strategy reframes 'defence' as a national challenge covering fuel security, industrial mobilisation and supply chains.
- Conroy warns post‑Cold War economic rationalism left vulnerabilities that require upfront sovereign investment.