Former Australian Minister Launches Inquiry Over Australia’s $368B Aukus Deal
Former Australian environment minister Peter Garrett has launched a crowd-funded public inquiry into the A$368 billion Aukus submarine deal, arguing Australians deserve greater scrutiny of the country’s biggest defence project. The review will examine Australia’s plan to purchase three second-hand US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines and allow US and UK submarines to operate from Perth from 2027. The inquiry will also investigate national security impacts, sovereignty concerns, nuclear waste storage and Australia’s relationship with China. Public hearings will be held over five months, with a final report expected to be released in October.
The Australian environment minister launched a crowd funded investigation into Aukus submarine project.
Key Highlights
- Public inquiry to examine the A$368 billion Aukus deal
- Peter Garrett, the former minister in charge of the review
- Independent MPs and former defence officials back inquiry
- Scheduled but an October report
Australia's biggest defence project faces inquiry
Former Australian environment minister Peter Garrett has launched a crowd-funded public inquiry into the A$368 billion Aukus submarine deal to buy three used US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in order to replace Australia's ageing fleet.
Under the broader defence cooperation under the Aukus pact, it will also allow a small number of nuclear submarines to be based in Perth from 2027 by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Ms Garrett described the deal as Australia's "biggest" defence deal, claiming Australians were not given enough time to adequately discuss or scrutinise the project. Such a huge decision, he said, should be more open to public and Parliamentary supervision.
Senior Ex-Military and Political Figures Will Participate in the Review
The investigation will spend five months and feature public hearings with a report which will be released in October. Garrett will head the review with former Australian Defence Force chief Chris Barrie, former WA premier Carmen Lawrence and other commissioners.
Independent MPS David Pocock and Andrew Wilkie, as well as retired military officers, lawyers and union representatives have backed the inquiry. This review will be put together by the Australian Peace and Security Forum.
What is an Inquiry on Security, Sovereignty and Relations with China?
The inquiry is to determine how nuclear-powered vessels will support security for Australia and what impact the Aukus deal would have on the balance of power in the region including with its biggest trading partner China.
Other issues being examined include whether all submarines promised to Australia will indeed be delivered and where nuclear waste would go, as well as whether the deal erodes national sovereignty. The Australian government welcomed scrutiny and transparency around the deal, a spokesman for international development minister Pat Conroy told Reuters.
The Aukus pact was announced on 15 September, the defence accord is seen as an element of combined Australian and US and UK efforts to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region since its announcement in 2021.
FAQs
- What is the Aukus deal?
It is a defence deal between the US,UK and Australia, which includes nuclear power submarines.
- Who is leading the New Inquiry?
The review is being fronted by former minister Peter Garrett.
- What will the inquiry investigate?
It will look at costs, security implications, sovereignty and nuclear waste problems.
- When will the inquiry report be released?
The last report is due in October.
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