Peter Garrett to head independent inquiry into the Aukus submarine pact
Summary
Peter Garrett will lead an independent inquiry into the Aukus defence pact, a $368 billion plan for Australia to acquire nuclear submarines with the US and UK. The inquiry will examine whether the submarines can be delivered on time and on budget, how nuclear waste will be managed, and if the pact serves Australia’s interests.Key Facts
- The Aukus pact involves Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom collaborating on nuclear submarines.
- The deal was negotiated under the Morrison government and supported by the current Labor government.
- Australia will receive secondhand US Virginia-class nuclear submarines starting in 2032, before its own submarines are ready in 2042.
- There are concerns about the cost, risks, and strategic benefits of the pact among some politicians and public groups.
- Australia has not yet identified a permanent storage site for the nuclear waste from the submarines.
- The inquiry, led by Peter Garrett, will last five months, hold public hearings, and deliver a report by 30 October.
- The inquiry will also look at issues like nuclear non-proliferation, environmental effects, and employment.
- The government plans to base rotating US and UK nuclear submarines in Australia starting from 2027.
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