Leaders from various departments and agencies in Australia are set to face intense scrutiny regarding a side agreement linked to the AUKUS security pact. This comes amid concerns about the viability of the multibillion-dollar deal intended to enhance Australia’s naval capabilities. A joint committee in Canberra will conduct public hearings on the Geelong treaty, which was signed by Australia and the United Kingdom in late July.
The treaty is part of the first pillar of the AUKUS agreement, under which the United States has committed to providing Australia with at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines starting in the early 2030s. Representatives from the Australian Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Attorney-General’s departments, along with officials from the Australian Submarine Agency, will testify during these hearings.
Concerns Over Treaty Effectiveness
Among the witnesses will be retired Royal Australian Navy Rear Admiral Peter Briggs, who has expressed strong reservations about the treaty. In a private submission, Briggs stated that any assurances offered by the agreement are misleading, as it “provides no protection for Australia against the flaws in the optimal pathway.” He emphasized that it is “time for plan B,” urging that Australia must take charge of its security strategy rather than relying on alliances that may expose it to unforeseen risks.
Briggs elaborated that the current plan results in “an expensive, much delayed and highly uncertain capability outcome” that fails to address Australia’s sovereign operational and strategic needs.
The Medical Association for Prevention of War Australia also voiced concerns, labeling the lack of public consultation on the acquisition of nuclear submarines as a “disgrace.” The organization criticized the treaty’s preamble as being based on “multiple false premises,” asserting that pursuing nuclear submarines is “highly provocative and escalates tensions” in the Asia-Pacific region. They called for a comprehensive, independent review of the AUKUS submarine plan before any further steps are taken.
Support for the AUKUS Pact
In contrast, contractor Serco expressed its support for the AUKUS initiative and the recent treaty. The company highlighted that the US, UK, and Australia all face workforce challenges that could hinder the implementation of the first pillar of the pact. They asserted that the treaty offers a framework to mitigate some of these challenges, thereby enhancing cooperation among the nations involved.
The Pentagon has initiated a review of the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with the “America first” policy of the Biden administration. This review, conducted by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, has fueled speculation about potential changes to the agreement, which could cost up to $368 billion over the next 30 years.
Despite the concerns, reports from Nikkei Asia indicated that the United States is not planning any modifications to the deal, with an unnamed official maintaining that AUKUS remains “safe.” The review is anticipated to conclude before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s visit to the White House on October 20, 2023.
As the hearings progress, the outcomes could significantly shape the future of Australia’s defense strategy and its commitments under the AUKUS agreement. The insights gained during this scrutiny may also influence public perception and government policy regarding defense acquisitions in the context of regional security.
