Aukus is ‘worst, riskiest and most costly’ Australian defence decision ever, public inquiry into submarine deal says
Summary
A public inquiry led by Peter Garrett and former defence chief Chris Barrie urged Australia to end the AUKUS submarine plan, calling it costly and risky. The inquiry said the deal lacked adequate oversight and could affect Australia’s sovereignty and security; these are the report’s conclusions, not established findings of government policy.Key Facts
- The AUKUS agreement is valued at A$368 billion and was negotiated under former prime minister Scott Morrison with the United States and the United Kingdom.
- The inquiry recommended ending the submarine plan, suspending plans for new bases and holding a royal commission into the agreement.
- The inquiry said more than 1,000 public submissions were received and hearings were held around Australia.
- The report called for independent reviews by the auditor general and federal parliament, citing a lack of scrutiny and oversight.
- Under the deal, Australia is due to begin receiving secondhand US Virginia-class submarines around 2032.
- Delays and rising costs in US submarine production have prompted doubts about whether the boats will be delivered to Australia.
- The inquiry estimated that an additional A$180 billion would be needed to deal with nuclear waste; Australia has not identified a permanent storage site.
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