Internal dissent within the Australian Labor Party over the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement has erupted once again. Former cabinet minister Ed Husic has suggested that the party’s caucus should hold a fresh vote on the controversial pact, following a weekend announcement that Australia will now receive three secondhand Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, instead of the original plan for one new and two used boats.
Husic Raises Concerns in Caucus
During Tuesday’s caucus meeting, Husic questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about whether the previous caucus resolution of support, which was passed while Labor was in opposition, still stood given the recent changes. Albanese, who had pushed the AUKUS agreement through caucus in 2021 with minimal debate to avoid derailing Labor’s 2022 election campaign, dismissed the query, stating that AUKUS was about more than just submarines. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy added that the original decision focused on whether caucus would permit a nuclear build within Australia, and that the revised arrangement—three identical submarines—would be easier to manage.
Outside the caucus room, Husic expressed reservations about Australian sovereignty. Speaking on Sky News, he said, “We are not going to get the deal that was promised.” He highlighted concerns about the transactional nature of the Trump administration, suggesting that the United States could impose conditions on Australia’s use of the submarines.
Public Inquiry Launched
Critics of the AUKUS deal have launched a public inquiry headed by former Labor minister Peter Garrett. Garrett, a former Midnight Oil frontman, stated that AUKUS is “the most significant, and by far the most costly decision made in secret by an Australian government.” The inquiry panel also includes former federal Labor minister and Western Australian premier Carmen Lawrence, and former chief of the Australian Defence Force Chris Barrie.
Barrie said he joined the inquiry to ensure that AUKUS serves Australia’s best interests. The inquiry, backed by several unions and other groups, will take public submissions and hold hearings in most capital cities. It is crowd-funded and aims to report by October 30.
Crossbenchers Call for Transparency
Independent MP Allegra Spender moved a Matter of Public Importance in parliament, calling for transparency on the AUKUS project. She was supported by six other crossbenchers, including teal independents Monique Ryan, Kate Chaney, Nicolette Boele, Zali Steggall, and Sophie Scamps, as well as non-teal independent Dai Le. Spender noted that recent developments highlight escalating risks, including the US failure to produce submarines at the required rate and the government’s lack of transparency about the Colby Review.
The inquiry and crossbencher concerns come ahead of Labor’s national conference in July, where AUKUS is expected to be a divisive issue requiring careful management by factional leaders.
