A former Australian defence minister has initiated a crowdfunded parliamentary inquiry into the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement, raising questions about transparency in the trilateral security pact. The inquiry, backed by public donations, will examine the strategic rationale and financial implications of the deal, which commits Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and Britain. Britain’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the agreement’s integrity, describing it as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific stability.
The move comes amid growing domestic scrutiny in Australia over the projected costs, which some estimates place at AUD 368 billion. The inquiry is expected to report by year-end, though its findings are non-binding. Analysts note that while the inquiry may amplify political pressure, it is unlikely to derail the treaty’s implementation, given the strategic alignment of the three nations.
