Australian inquiry calls Aukus submarine pact the worst defence decision

A public inquiry led by former Labor MP Peter Garrett and former defence chief Admiral Chris Barrie has described the $368 billion Aukus nuclear submarine agreement as “the worst, riskiest and most costly defence decision ever made by an Australian government”, and urged its immediate termination.

The Guardian reported that the inquiry, which examined the deal signed by the former Morrison government, recommended suspending plans for new bases and called for a royal commission to investigate the agreement. Critics of the UK‑US partnership dominated the review, arguing that the project poses significant strategic and financial risks.

Garrett and Barrie’s report urges the Australian government to halt the submarine programme while a full inquiry is conducted, suggesting that the current course could expose the nation to unnecessary costs and security complications.

Why it matters

The recommendations could pause a multi‑billion‑dollar defence project and trigger a royal commission, potentially reshaping Australia’s security strategy.

Key details

Location

Australia · Oceania

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

4 Nov 2026, 10:08 IST

Key names

Australian, Peter Garrett, Adm Chris Barrie, Aukus

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianAukus is ‘worst, riskiest and most costly’ Australian defence decision ever, public inquiry into submarine deal says 4 Nov, 10:08

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

Spotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced