Australian ex-minister launches crowd-funded inquiry into Aukus submarine deal

Former Australian environment minister Peter Garrett is leading a crowd-funded independent inquiry into the A$368 billion Aukus submarine deal. The review, organized by the Australian Peace and Security Forum, aims to examine whether Australia will receive the submarines and if the deal will enhance national safety. Garrett, joined by four other commissioners including former ADF chief Admiral Chris Barrie and ex-Western Australia premier Carmen Lawrence, stated the inquiry is "long overdue" and aims to restore public and parliamentary debate on the "most expensive" defence deal in Australia's history. Public hearings will be held, with a report expected in October. The review has garnered support from independent MPs, former officials, and various community leaders.

Former Labor minister Peter Garrett will lead an independent, community-based inquiry into the Aukus defence pact. The five-month investigation, launched by Labor veterans and public figures, aims to provide scrutiny of the $368 billion deal that was not applied through a parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry will hold public hearings and accept submissions, with a final report due by October 30. It will examine issues such as delivery timelines, budget, nuclear waste management, and whether the deal serves Australia's strategic interests. This initiative comes as the government recently announced Australia will purchase three secondhand US Virginia-class submarines, with the first expected in 2032.