Sophie Scamps (Mackellar, Independent) | Hansard source

The United States is already struggling to meet its own submarine production targets and faces a shortfall in its fleets. Critically, under US law, it cannot sell submarines to Australia if doing so undermines its own capability, yet Australia has already contributed billions to the US and UK industrial bases. This raises a deeper strategic issue. A core principle of national security is sovereignty—the ability to maintain and operate our own military capabilities. Under AUKUS, Australia is spending vast sums on assets over which it will not have full control while becoming more tightly bound to US strategic objectives. There are concerns that this could expose Australia to greater risk, including a potential conflict between major powers without any guarantee of US support.

There are also local impacts to consider, including proposals for defence industry expansion and nuclear infrastructure, particularly in places like Port Kembla. There is still no plan for nuclear waste. No site has been identified, despite a commitment from the defence minister in 2023 to outline a process for identifying waste sites within 12 months.

Australia must always take its national security seriously. In an increasingly uncertain strategic environment, it is both reasonable and necessary for governments to invest in defence capability and pursue strong international partnerships. Agreements like AUKUS reflect an effort to prepare for future challenges. (Time expired)

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