Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has defended the AUKUS nuclear-submarine deal against critics in the Labor movement, arguing it continues to enjoy overwhelming support within the party. Speaking at the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday, Mr Conroy rejected suggestions that Labor had failed to make the case for AUKUS to the party faithful, describing opposition to the agreement as a ‘vocal minority’. “There is very strong support for AUKUS within the Australian Labor Party,” he said.