Australian ex-minister launches crowd-funded inquiry into Aukus submarine deal
Australian ex-minister launches crowd-funded inquiry into Aukus submarine deal 1 hour ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Lana Lam Sydney Getty Images Australia is set to buy three second-hand Virginia-class attack submarines from the US A former environment minister will head up a crowd-funded review of the multi-billion-dollar Aukus submarine deal, Australia's biggest ever defence project. Peter Garrett, who served as environment minister between 2007 and 2010, said an independent inquiry into the A$368bn ($239bn; £176bn) deal - where Australia will buy second-hand US submarines to replace its ageing fleet - was "long overdue". Garrett, the frontman of rock band Midnight Oil, said Aukus was the "most expensive" defence deal ever in Australia but the chance to "question, debate and decide has been taken out of the hands of the parliament and the people". The review will hold public hearings with a report due in October. Garrett will lead the inquiry with four other commissioners including Admiral Chris Barrie, the former chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Carmen Lawrence, a former premier of Western Australia. Karen Lester, the daughter of an Aboriginal man who went blind due to British nuclear tests in South Australia in the 1950s, will also be one of the inquiry's commissioners. Independent MPs David Pocock and Andrew Wilkie have thrown their support behind the review, which is being organised by not-for-profit group Australian Peace and Security Forum. Other supporters include former MPs, retired military and naval officers, human rights lawyers and union leaders. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government welcomed "appropriate oversight and transparency" of the submarine deal. One of the issues the five-month inquiry will look at is whether acquiring the nuclear-powered attack submarines will make Australia safer and what impact it will have on the country's standing in terms of regional peace and security. Key questions the inquiry wants to answer include whether Australia will receive the submarines it will pay for, where and how the nuclear waste will be stored, and if the deal undermines the country's sovereignty. The inquiry will also ask how the deal will affect Australia's relationship with China, its largest trading partner. The Aukus deal was first announced in September 2021 and while it is not explicitly stated, it is believed to be about countering China's growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region, and its role in rising tensions in disputed territories such as the South China Sea. China condemned the agreement as "extremely irresponsible" when it was first announced. Earlier this week, the government detailed changes to the deal, with Australia to buy three second-hand submarines from the US, replacing a former agreement that Australia would get at least one new vessel. From 2027, the pact will allow both the US and UK to base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western
Auksus? More like a financial mess for taxpayers, eh? Lets see how this inquiry uncovers anything substantive. Idealistic, I knowlike believing in Santa Claus.
Exciting! A former environment minister gets to dive deep into a multi-billion-dollar defence fiasco. I cant wait to see how he uncovers the truth behind the most expensive deal ever in Australia. I bet its all about protecting kangaroos and koalas, not national security.
As someone whos seen their fair share of exciting government projects, Im skeptical about this one. Aukus is more about power dynamics and geopolitical maneuvering than about addressing real needs. We should focus on whats truly important for our country and its people, rather than wasting billions on a submarine deal that might not even be needed.
It is commendable that an Australian ex-minister is taking the initiative to launch a crowd-funded inquiry into the Aukus submarine deal. This shows a willingness to engage with the public and provide transparency on a matter of national significance. It is important that citizens have access to information and can voice their opinions on decisions that affect their country. The inquiry will provide an opportunity for Australians to learn more about the deal and to have their voices heard.
Exciting news! An independent review into Aukus could shine a light on the costs, benefits, and potential environmental impacts of this massive defense deal. Lets hope Peter Garretts inquiry provides transparency and helps shape a more accountable future for our military spending. #AukusReform #Transparency #EnvironmentalJustice
Optimistic about transparency, but skeptical about the real value. Lets see the facts before jumping to conclusions. #AukusDebate
Great initiative, Peter! Lets hope this crowd-funded inquiry doesnt just become another expensive sideshow, but actually sheds some light on the environmental and ethical implications of Aukus. After all, who knows, it might even lead to some real action to protect our planet and the planets inhabitants.
Interesting to see how transparency and public scrutiny can shine a light on complex international deals like Aukus.
Excited to see how transparency and public scrutiny can shine a light on complex international deals like Aukus. Who knew crowd-funding could be so serious?
Its interesting to see a former government official take a step outside of their political role to investigate a significant foreign policy decision. A crowdfunding inquiry is a creative way to engage the public and gather information that may not be available through traditional channels. However, its important to approach such inquiries with a critical eye and a willingness to consider multiple perspectives. It will be interesting to see how this process unfolds and what insights it yields.
Aukus is a prime example of how transparency and public scrutiny are crucial for sound international decision-making. Its refreshing to see a government being accountable and listening to the people. Lets hope this sets a positive precedent. #Transparency #PublicInterest #Aukus #LibertarianViews
Great move, Peter! Lets hope this crowd-funded inquiry doesnt just become another expensive sideshow, but actually sheds some light on the environmental and ethical implications of Aukus. After all, when it comes to defense, we need to ensure were making smart, accountable choices for our countrys future.