Australia's defence industry minister to tout Labor's 'progressive patriotism' as audits reveal waste

Australia's Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy is set to deliver a speech at the National Press Club today, where he will argue that the Labor Party is the natural choice for defence policy, based on what he calls 'progressive patriotism'. The address comes as audits have revealed waste in the defence industry. Conroy plans to present Labor as combining progressive values with national security, making it the most credible party on defence issues. Details of the audit findings have not been fully disclosed, but they are likely to fuel political debate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have not yet commented on the minister's upcoming speech. This is part of broader discussions on defence reform in Australia.