The Defence Industry Minister, Pat Conroy, is set to deliver a scathing critique of the bureaucracy within the Defence sector, arguing that the lack of discipline among public servants is to blame for the costly delays and blowouts in major projects. Conroy's address to the National Press Club on Thursday will highlight the inefficiencies within the system, particularly the Defence Investment Committee, which has been deemed ineffective and a waste of valuable resources.
Conroy's speech will focus on the committee's excessive meeting schedule, which has consumed an astonishing 1600 hours of senior staff time, with only 56% of recommendations resulting in any tangible outcomes. This committee, established in 2015 to oversee key capabilities, will be abolished, marking a significant step towards reform.
The Minister will emphasize the need for a more streamlined and efficient approach, suggesting that the department has been compromised for a decade. He will announce the creation of the Defence Delivery Agency (DDA), an independent body that will report directly to him and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The DDA will take over the responsibility of capability, acquisition, and sustainment groups, as well as naval shipbuilding and sustainment, guided weapons, and explosive ordnance.
Conroy's speech coincides with the release of the 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS), which includes plans to overhaul the Defence Export Facility, a $3 billion initiative that has fallen short of its potential. The government aims to streamline processes and enhance the facility's ability to support the defence industry, reducing dependencies and fostering a stronger sovereign industrial base.
The Minister will also highlight the increasing military spending, particularly in the context of the AUKUS submarine deal and the establishment of new industries in drones and missiles. Conroy's message is clear: the government is committed to investing in its people, institutions, and sovereignty, ensuring a more self-reliant and capable defence sector.
