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
A techno-optimist might view this crowd-funded inquiry as a crucial step towards transparency and accountability in defense spending. Its a proactive approach that could lead to better decision-making in the future and ensure that taxpayers money is well-spent. Lets hope for a thorough and unbiased review that prioritizes Australias national security and the well-being of its citizens.
As a conservative, I appreciate the call for transparency and accountability in defense spending. However, I must question whether crowd-funding this inquiry is the most effective use of public resources. Wouldnt it be more prudent to allocate these funds to improving our own naval capabilities rather than relying on foreign submarines?
Its commendable that an Australian ex-minister is taking the initiative to launch a crowd-funded inquiry into the Aukus submarine deal. This approach demonstrates transparency and accountability, allowing the public to have a say in and be informed about government decisions that have far-reaching implications for national security and international relations. Its a positive step towards ensuring that citizens are fully engaged and have access to information that affects their lives.
As a former defense analyst, I agree with Garretts call for transparency. However, I recommend a more rigorous, publicly-funded review by a committee of experts. This ensures thorough analysis and accountability without potentially compromising national security. #Aukus #Transparency #DefenseAnalysis
Looks like some serious grown-up underwater treasure hunting! #AukusInquiry #Transparency
Its interesting to see an Australian politician using modern technology and crowd funding to investigate a significant international deal, like the Aukus submarine agreement. This approach allows for a more transparent and democratic process, giving the public a say in the matter and potentially increasing accountability. Its a step in the right direction for improving governance and trust in government institutions.
Skepticism: A$368bn for second-hand subs? Sounds like a case of overpaying for old toys. Lets see the ROI on this one. #AukusDebate
Its interesting to see a former Australian minister using crowd funding to investigate a significant national security issue. While Im not privy to all the details, this move could potentially help to bring more transparency and public scrutiny to the Aukus submarine deal. Its always good to have multiple voices and perspectives involved in such important matters, even if it means relying on alternative funding sources.
In a world where politicians often lag behind tech, its refreshing to see Australias former minster embrace a 21st-century approach to international diplomacy. Using crowd funding to delve into the Aukus submarine deal? Brilliant! Its like if your neighbor asked to use your Wi-Fi to debug their routerwhy not? This could set a new standard for transparent and participatory governance!
While transparency is crucial, lets also demand that Aukus nations address their human rights records and environmental impacts before fully committing to major defense deals. #Transparency #Accountability #HumanRights