Aukus is ‘worst, riskiest and most costly’ Australian defence decision ever, public inquiry into submarine deal says
Report led by Peter Garrett and former defence chief Adm Chris Barrie says agreement should be suspended and calls for royal commission Get our daily political email , free app or daily news podcast A public inquiry into the $368bn Aukus nuclear submarine agreement has called the plan “the worst, riskiest and most costly defence decision ever made by an Australian government”, urging its…
A public inquiry into Australia's $368 billion Aukus nuclear submarine agreement has labeled the deal as the "worst, riskiest and most costly defence decision ever made by an Australian government." Led by former Labor MP Peter Garrett and former chief of defence Adm Chris Barrie, the inquiry, titled Surrendering Australia: the Aukus Deception, recommends suspending the plan and initiating a royal commission.
The agreement, signed with the UK and US, has raised concerns over Australia's sovereignty, nuclear non-proliferation commitments, and potential involvement in military conflicts with China due to the presence of advanced nuclear submarines. The inquiry warns that Australia risks becoming a de facto US base in Stirling defence precinct, with nearby communities facing attack risks.
It also highlights the lack of oversight and scrutiny over the deal and calls for independent reviews by the auditor general and federal parliament. The inquiry estimates an additional $180 billion will be needed for nuclear waste management, with no clear site identified for permanent storage.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Aukus is ‘worst, riskiest and most costly’ Australian defence decision ever, public inquiry into submarine deal says theguardian.com
- Too risky, too costly: AUKUS should be scrapped, finds Peter Garrett-led inquiry theage.com.au
- Too risky, too costly: AUKUS should be scrapped, finds Peter Garrett-led inquiry smh.com.au
