Labor's increase in defence spending forms the bedrock of the nation's most cherished ideals, the defence industry minister says, as the government seeks to fend off a surge in right-wing populism.
In an address to the National Press Club on Thursday, Pat Conroy will argue Labor is the party of defence in a bid to dismantle a perception conservatives are stronger on national security.
"Strong defence of our country, including the need to invest in our defence industry, people and systems, is a critical part of understanding what Australian progressive patriotism looks like today," he says.
"Building our defence industry, delivering the capabilities we need, is an investment in our country and offers the further dividend of deterrence to protect what our great national project has built."
As Pauline Hanson's One Nation continues to poll highly alongside Labor, the defence industry minister will argue progressive patriotism is the "bedrock for why we do what we do" in defence of democracy and multiculturalism.
Pointing back to past Labor leaders, Mr Conroy will outline it was former prime minister John Curtin who led Australia through the horrors of World War II, Andrew Fisher who established the navy, and Bob Hawke and Paul Keating who built the Collins-class submarines and ANZAC frigates.
"In Australia, it is Labor that has always followed through with the big decisions and investment needed in this space," he will say.
As the defence department undergoes its biggest overhaul in five decades, Mr Conroy will mention findings from a review that found performance problems were "worse" than previously thought.
On Wednesday, the government revealed a dozen projects had cost the taxpayer $29 billion in cost blowouts.
Part of the reform includes a new Defence Delivery Agency that will become operational from July 2027, and will be tasked with ensuring projects remain on time and budget.
The massive changes come as Labor commits to pour tens of billions of dollars into Defence over the next decade.
Mr Conroy will also release the 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy, the third set of key policy documents.
