Australian Inquiry Urges Scrapping $368 Billion AUKUS Deal

An independent Australian public inquiry has called for the cancellation of the country's A$368 billion AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, warning that the agreement poses major financial, strategic and sovereignty risks.

The report, titled "Surrendering Australia: The AUKUS Deception," was released on November 4 following hearings across Australia and more than 1,000 public submissions.

Led by former Australian Defence Force chief Admiral Chris Barrie and former Labor minister Peter Garrett, the publicly funded inquiry recommended terminating the submarine acquisition plan, suspending preparations for new bases and establishing a royal commission to examine the agreement.

The report warned that hosting US and British nuclear-powered submarines could increase Australia's exposure to a potential military conflict involving China.

It also raised concerns over submarine delivery delays, nuclear waste management and the long-term financial commitments associated with AUKUS.

The inquiry estimated that managing nuclear waste could cost an additional A$180 billion, although no official government estimate has been published.

Under the existing agreement with the United States and United Kingdom, Australia expects to receive its first US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine in 2032, followed by Australian-built SSN-AUKUS submarines from the 2040s.

The Albanese government rejected the inquiry's conclusions, describing AUKUS as a central pillar of Australia's national security strategy.

A spokesperson for Defence Minister Richard Marles said the partnership remains essential to strengthening Australia's military capabilities and regional security.

The inquiry was independently organized and does not represent an official government review or a decision to cancel the AUKUS program.