A former Australian environment minister has launched a crowd funded independent inquiry into the Aukus submarine agreement. The defence project is one of the largest in Australia and involves the purchase of used Virginia class attack submarines from the United States.
Peter Garrett, who previously served as environment minister from 2007 to 2010 and is also known as the frontman of Midnight Oil, said the review is necessary. He believes public debate and parliamentary scrutiny have been limited in this decision.
Who Is Leading the Inquiry
The review will be led by Peter Garrett along with four other commissioners. These include Admiral Chris Barrie, a former chief of the Australian Defence Force, and Carmen Lawrence.
Key Questions Under Review
The inquiry will examine whether the submarine deal improves national security and whether it strengthens or weakens Australia’s role in regional stability.It will also focus on several critical issues:
Government Response
The Australian government has stated that it supports appropriate oversight and transparency regarding the agreement. Officials say the project remains an important part of national defence planning and regional security cooperation.
Background of the Aukus Agreement
The Aukus partnership was first announced in 2021. It includes cooperation between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom on nuclear powered submarine capability.
China has previously criticised the agreement, calling it irresponsible and warning it could increase regional tensions.
Recent updates to the plan now include Australia purchasing three used Virginia class submarines from the United States. This replaces earlier plans that included receiving at least one newly built vessel.
