Public inquiry urges $368 billion AUKUS submarine deal be scrapped entirely
An independent inquiry has recommended Australia drop the $368 billion AUKUS submarine project. It suggests pursuing cheaper alternatives instead.
An independent inquiry into AUKUS released its final report. The report called the $368 billion submarine deal the worst defence decision Australia has made.
The deal is also the most costly. Lead commissioner Peter Garrett said the submarines have unclear value.
They may never arrive at all. The inquiry made 17 recommendations.
These include scrapping the program and developing a national security strategy. Other recommendations include suspending plans for a US naval base near Perth.
The inquiry also called for holding a royal commission. This would examine how AUKUS began and continued.
The inquiry asked for an urgent audit by the National Audit Office. The results must be made public.
Newcastle senator Ross Cadell argued the Port of Newcastle could serve as an ideal nuclear submarine base. He based this on the region's strong defence history.
The region is also going through economic change.
- $368 billion
- Program cost
- 17 recommendations
- Inquiry recommendations
- Mid-2030s
- Proposed base location decision
- Peter Garrett
- Lead commissioner
Why it mattersA major report challenging a $368 billion government commitment creates debate. Australia must now reconsider its defence spending priorities.
AustraliaAn independent inquiry's call to scrap AUKUS could reshape Australia's defence strategy and redirect billions of dollars.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
