Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific

Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific

Author: ANU National Security College January 22, 2026 Duration: 41:33

How integrated is Australia’s approach to statecraft across defence, diplomacy, development and industry – and how visible is that integration to the public?

What is the strategic logic behind Australia’s expanding network of Pacific partnerships and treaties?

What are the details of the reforms to defence acquisition and how will this impact the future of Australia’s defence industry?

 

In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s strategic outlook, defence reform, regional engagement and the future of defence acquisition.

 

The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and the Federal Member for Shortland.

Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. 


TRANSCRIPT


Show Notes

·     NSC academic programs – find out more

·     Press Conference, Parliament House | Defence Ministers

·     Government unveils Department of Defence overhaul amid delays and cost blowouts - ABC News

·     Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty

 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. 


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Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
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