AUKUS debate reopened in caucus as Labor MP questions deal to get old subs
A Labor MP has reopened debate over AUKUS after Australia agreed over the weekend to buy three second-hand submarines from the United States instead of two and a new one, as was in the original deal.
A Labor MP has reopened debate over AUKUS after Australia agreed over the weekend to buy three second-hand submarines from the United States instead of two and a new one as was in the original deal.
Critics have labelled the change as a slap in the face for Australia driven by Pentagon AUKUS-sceptic Elbridge Colby.
Ed Husic, who was the industry minister last term but was dumped to the backbench by Defence Minister Richard Marles, asked whether the original caucus decision backing in the principle of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines still stood given that change to arrangements.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He had supported the original caucus process but a senior Labor MP described his disposition in asking the question as being critical of AUKUS generally.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese replied that it had always been the plan for Australia to get some used submarines from the US.
He told Labor colleagues that AUKUS “is a solid and good arrangement”.
Defence Industry Minsiter Pat Conroy also told caucus that the new arrangement would be easier to manage and more cost-effective than getting two different types of Virginias from the US, an argument that Mr Marles has also mounted.
He said ultimately the difference for retirement timing of a used submarine compared with a new one was a question of whether the third boat reached the end of its life in the 2060s or in 2070.
Labor MPs have broadly backed AUKUS publicly since Mr Albanese agreed to the plan when it was announced at short notice by then-prime minister Scott Morrison in 2021.
After Labor won government in 2022, it was left with responsibility for working out what is now known as the “optimal pathway”, which involves first US and UK nuclear-powered submarines being based at HMAS Stirling in Perth, then Australian buying between three and five Viriginia-class submarines before a new design, the SSN-AUKUS, is built both in the UK and locally.
However, Fremantle MP Josh Wilson led a backlash at the ALP national conference in 2023, arguing against the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. He also spoke up in Parliament about it.
The airing of the issue in caucus on Tuesday came as former Labor minister Peter Garrett announced he would lead a national public inquiry into AUKUS, along with former Defence Force chief Chris Barrie.
