AUKUS Public Inquiry set to heavily criticise $365bn submarine plan
A crowd-funded inquiry led by senior figures is expected to strongly oppose Australia's $365 billion AUKUS submarine program.
Former Labor minister Peter Garrett and former defence chief Admiral Chris Barrie are releasing a major report. They will present it about the AUKUS defence pact on Wednesday at the National Press Club.
The crowd-funded public inquiry expects to strongly oppose the submarine program. It follows months of hearings with political leaders.
Garrett said Australians facing the cost-of-living crisis will view this spending poorly. The money is going to the US and UK.
He said the submarines will create nuclear waste. Australia will have to manage it.
The $365 billion program has faced criticism in recent months. The US recently confirmed it will only provide used Virginia-class submarines.
Defence experts have warned the Australian Navy faces workforce strain. Without urgent action, only three submarines may work by the 2030s.
- 365 billion dollars
- Program cost
- Three operational
- Submarines in 2030s
- National Press Club
- Report location
- 2021
- Pact agreement year
Why it mattersA strong report could push the government to reconsider or change one of Australia's biggest defence spending plans.
AustraliaAustralia's $386 billion submarine investment and naval capability could face policy changes based on this major independent review.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
