Shellharbour MP breaks Labor unity on Port Kembla submarine base
Anna Watson is the first Illawarra Labor MP to openly oppose Port Kembla as a nuclear submarine base site.
Anna Watson is a Labor member for Shellharbour. Watson opposed Port Kembla as a nuclear submarine base under AUKUS.
Watson said the "overwhelming majority" of her community objects. Watson did not sign a letter that other Illawarra Labor MPs signed.
That letter said no decision would be made until the 2030s. Watson said her job is to represent what her voters want.
Local concerns include several things. People worry whether decisions serve Australia's interests or the US interests.
People worry about possible impact on Port Kembla's industries. A large base might push out employers.
People also fear making the area a target for foreign countries. Watson is one of only a small number of Labor MPs across the country who takes a clear position against a submarine base in their region.
- $368 billion
- AUKUS cost
- Anna Watson
- MP
- Shellharbour
- Electorate
- Eight
- Other Illawarra Labor MPs aligned
Why it mattersHer break with party unity signals genuine community pressure on the Albanese government's $368 billion AUKUS commitment. It also suggests deep local divisions over the plan.
AustraliaPort Kembla is a major Australian industrial region; the submarine base decision will reshape local employment, industry, and the Illawarra economy if it proceeds.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
