A former Australian defence minister has initiated a crowd-funded investigation into the Aukus submarine agreement, intensifying political pressure on the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Peter Dutton, who served as defence minister under the previous coalition government, announced the probe on Monday, citing concerns over cost overruns, delivery timelines and strategic benefit. The inquiry will be financed through public donations and led by a panel of retired military officers and defence economists.
The Aukus agreement, signed in 2021, commits Australia to acquiring a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines built largely in South Australia with UK and US technology. The deal is projected to cost up to A$368 billion over 30 years. Critics argue that the expense diverts resources from more immediate defence needs.
Dutton said the inquiry would examine whether the project remains in Australia's national interest. "Taxpayers are being asked to commit billions without a full accounting of risks," he stated. "We need transparency."
The move comes as the UK prepares to deliver its first boat under the programme, with British shipbuilders expected to play a central role in design and propulsion systems. UK defence officials have described Aukus as a pillar of post-Brexit industrial strategy.
Downing Street declined to comment on the inquiry, but sources emphasised that the submarine programme enjoys bipartisan support in Canberra. The current Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has reaffirmed its commitment to the deal.
Security analysts suggest the crowd-funded probe may falter without official access to classified documents. "It is a political statement rather than a formal review," said Dr. Helen James, a defence expert at the Australian National University. "But it signals growing unease about the scale of the commitment."
Dutton's investigation is expected to report its findings by March next year.
