Overview
- In a Menzies Institute keynote, Sussan Ley set three immediate priorities: an integrated air and missile defence system, rapid manufacture and resupply of unmanned systems, and a sovereign satellite‑connectivity capability.
- The Coalition recommitted to lifting defence spending to 3% of GDP, with Ley arguing this addresses what she calls a national deterrence deficit.
- Ley highlighted official data showing roughly 28 days of petrol, 25 days of diesel and 20 days of jet fuel in reserve, well short of the International Energy Agency’s 90‑day obligation.
- She linked the Coalition’s revised energy stance to defence readiness by advocating expanded gas supply and new nuclear technology, while asserting that wind and solar assets face cyber and sabotage risks.
- Ley accused the Albanese government of failing to place timely guided‑missile production orders, arguing that slow procurement erodes deterrence.