AUKUS Submarine Deal Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amidst Shifting Commitments and Independent Inquiry
The ambitious AUKUS security pact, centred on Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny from within the political landscape and from independent advocacy groups. The debate has intensified following revelations that Australia is now slated to receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States, a departure from the initially outlined plan of two used and one new vessel.
Labor backbencher Ed Husic has publicly voiced concerns, suggesting that the evolving nature of the deal warrants a re-evaluation and potentially a new parliamentary vote. His sentiments echo a growing unease about the practicality and implications of the pact, particularly in light of production delays within the United States.
Shifting Sands of the Submarine Deal
Mr. Husic articulated his concerns on Sky News, highlighting that the current arrangement is significantly different from the one initially agreed upon. He attributed the changes to the US’s inability to meet production schedules, a situation exacerbated by a confluence of factors.
- Workforce Shortages: A constrained labour pool in the US is impacting the pace of submarine construction.
- Supply Chain Constraints: Global supply chain disruptions are also contributing to delays and increased costs.
- Quality Concerns: Ensuring the highest quality standards for these complex vessels is a critical factor influencing production timelines.
While acknowledging a $3 billion Australian investment aimed at bolstering US submarine capability, Mr. Husic expressed scepticism about the certainty of even receiving the three planned submarines. He stressed that the deal, as it stands, should be “rethought” and denied that such a move would jeopardise Australia’s alliance with the US. Instead, he framed it as a pragmatic response to the current realities and a necessary consideration for national sovereignty.
Mr. Husic raised concerns about potential sovereignty implications, suggesting that a transactional approach from the US, particularly under a previous administration, could lead to conditions attached to the provision of the submarines.
In response to questions about internal party discussions, Treasurer Jim Chalmers maintained that the government supports the AUKUS arrangements and declined to comment on specific remarks made in private parliamentary meetings.
However, Defence Minister Pat Conroy asserted that the Labor party possesses a clear mandate for AUKUS, having secured 94 seats in the last election after campaigning on the pact. He argued that the debate has been thoroughly conducted and concluded favourably for the agreement.
Independent Inquiry to Probe AUKUS Implications
Adding another layer of oversight, a public inquiry is being launched to critically examine the $368 billion defence deal. Spearheaded by former environment minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, the inquiry aims to dissect the pact’s impact on Australia’s national security and its potential ramifications for relations with China.
Mr. Garrett will serve as the lead commissioner, supported by a distinguished panel of four additional commissioners:
- Admiral Chris Barrie (Retd.): Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
- Carmen Lawrence: Former Premier of Western Australia and a seasoned parliamentarian.
- Leanne Minshull: Co-chief executive of The Australia Institute, a prominent think tank.
- Karina Lester: Ambassador for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Australia.
This independent investigation is being coordinated by the not-for-profit Australian Peace and Security Forum and has garnered support from independent senators David Pocock and Andrew Wilkie. The inquiry will undertake a comprehensive review process, including:
- Written Submissions: Inviting public input and expert analysis.
- Public Hearings: Providing a platform for open discussion and testimony.
- Consultations: Engaging with various stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives.
The final report is expected to be delivered by October 30. The inquiry’s terms of reference are extensive and will address critical questions such as:
- The implications of Australia’s nuclear capability, acquired through AUKUS, on its relationship with China.
- The projected timelines and budget adherence for the delivery of the submarines.
- Potential risks associated with nuclear accidents and the secure storage of nuclear materials.
- The impact on global non-proliferation efforts.
- The employment and economic consequences for Australia.
Mr. Garrett described the AUKUS undertaking as the “most expensive and complex” ever entered into by an Australian government, lamenting the perceived lack of parliamentary and public debate. He stated, “A public inquiry into this massive spend of taxpayer’s money is long overdue.”
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Defence Minister Richard Marles’ confirmation that Australia will indeed receive only second-hand Virginia-class submarines. Mr. Marles, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, explained that the decision to opt for a uniform fleet of older vessels was driven by a desire for operational simplicity. He argued that a mixed fleet of submarines would have introduced unnecessary complexity for both submariners and maintenance crews.
“What we will have here is a much simpler pathway,” Mr. Marles told reporters. “It will mean that the Virginia class submarines that we are acquiring will all be of the same type. And I cannot overstate the significance of that, both in terms of the submariners who are operating them, but also the people who are working on them to sustain those submarines. Chasing simplicity is at the heart of why we have pursued this.”
