Greens Challenge $368bn AUKUS Deal as Albanese Backs Submarines, June 08

The Greens renewed calls to scrap Australia’s $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, warning it could draw the nation into a conflict with China. Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge said the agreement makes Australia an “interoperable” part of the US military. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the criticism, saying AUKUS is “full steam ahead.” The debate resurfaced after Australia announced it would buy three secondhand Virginia-class submarines from the US.

Why the Greens Say AUKUS Threatens Australia

Shoebridge told ABC’s Insiders program that nuclear submarines are designed to operate thousands of kilometres from Australia’s shore, not defend the nation’s borders. He said Australia could protect its coastline with conventional submarines and other weapons instead. The Greens argue that buying US submarines makes Australia part of America’s military strategy in the South China Sea, risking involvement in a potential US-China war. Shoebridge called nuclear submarines “a disaster on every front” and said the deal surrenders Australian sovereignty to Washington.

Government Defends the Submarine Strategy

Albanese dismissed the Greens’ position, saying Australia needs nuclear-powered submarines to protect its sea trade. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the submarines are essential for Australia’s defence. The government insisted buying secondhand Virginia-class vessels saves money on acquisition, maintenance and training costs. Albanese told reporters the deal makes strategic and economic sense for an island continent.

The Revised Submarine Deal Sparks New Debate

Australia originally planned to buy two used submarines and one new Virginia-class vessel. The revised arrangement now calls for three secondhand submarines from the US. Shoebridge said Australia is too small to defend distant sea lanes like the Strait of Malacca and Strait of Hormuz. He argued that defending global trade routes thousands of kilometres away is beyond Australia’s military capacity. The change in submarine numbers has reignited scrutiny over the multi-decade agreement.

What Shoebridge Says Australia Should Do Instead

Shoebridge said there is still a window to abandon AUKUS and buy conventional submarines from other countries. He rejected the need for capabilities designed to project military force far from Australian shores. The Greens senator said the greatest strategic threat is losing sovereignty to Washington, not China’s military buildup. He framed the choice as whether Australia should join “someone else’s knife fight” or focus on defending its own borders.

Final Thoughts

The Greens’ renewed attack on AUKUS reflects deep divisions over Australia’s defence strategy. With Albanese committed to the deal and the Greens calling for cancellation, the $368 billion agreement remains politically contentious despite government backing.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.