Our Fact Sheet gives a concise summary of the main issues:
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) has many useful links on these pages:
- IPAN website AUKUS & Nuclear Submarines Articles
- Articles about AUKUS
- Reference Documents
- Webinar recordings
- Information about nuclear
US tried to compel Australia to spend extra billions on an unwanted SSN
What does it say about the US as an ally if they happily pocket our $5 billion contribution to their submarine industrial base – and on top of that try to compel the purchase of an unwanted new SSN for a $4 billion premium.
US tried to compel Australia to spend extra billions on an unwanted SSN – APDR
The costs of nuclear wastes from “in service” nuclear submarines
Being encumbered with three used clunkers brings forward the date of having to dispose of three lots of nuclear waste, but at what cost?
New AUKUS arrangements an embarrassment and humiliation
Asia Pacific Defence reporter editor Kym Bergmann slams the new AUKUS arrangements for delivery of three second-hand Virginia class subs as an embarrassment and humiliation, and slams Marles for the spin he has attached to this.
Episode 141 – Asia Pacific Defence Reporter | Acast
‘Terribly concerning’: Port Kembla identified as preferred AUKUS base in secret documents
A secret report commissioned by the previous NSW government identified Port Kembla as the ideal location for an east coast nuclear submarine base.
‘Terribly concerning’: Port Kembla identified as preferred AUKUS base in secret documents – ABC News
If AUKUS were NDIS? Rising cost of elusive subs submerged in budget
Former Senator and submariner Rex Patrick says AUKUS costs are rising while the chances of ever getting nuclear-powered subs are falling.
If AUKUS were NDIS? Rising cost of elusive subs submerged in budget – Michael West
AUKUS is falling apart before our eyes. The government and alliance shills are silent
Crikey’s Bernard Keane examines both the UK and a US Congressional report on AUKUS.
AUKUS is falling apart, but government and alliance shills are silent
UK AUKUS enquiry: Government must do more – and do it faster
The UK Parliamentary enquiry into the AUKUS arrangements “uncovered shortcomings and failings that place it under threat.” The full report can be downloaded from:
AUKUS: Government must do more – and do it faster – Committees – UK Parliament
‘Headed for a train smash’: Former commander’s dire AUKUS warning
Retired rear admiral Peter Briggs, who led the Australian Navy’s submarine squadron, told a national security conference organised by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull that AUKUS was a “wasteful folly” that needed to be jettisoned as soon as possible.
AUKUS: So many questions, so few answers
Former Federal Senator for New South Wales, Doug Cameron, urges Australians to understand the implications of the AUKUS arrangements.
AUKUS: So many questions, so few answers | Pearls and Irritations
AUKUS jobs in South Australia: hype or hope
Adjunct Professor Al Rainnie examines the myth of the “jobs bonanza” promoted during the SA State election in March.
AUKUS jobs in South Australia: hype or hope – Labor Tribune
Richard “Hiroo Onada” Marles
Australian Pacific Defence Reporter Kym Bergmann compares Marles to a forgotten person from WW2.
Vanguard – Communist Party of Australia Marxist Leninist
Blind and Deaf to AUKUS: Australian Planners and Elusive Submarines
Dr Binoy Kampmark argues that Australian politicians are deaf to the implications of the US Congressional Research Service.
US politicians hear option of not selling Australia nuclear submarines
This news item indicates once again that the US is unlikely to be willing or able to fulfill its AUKUS obligations
US politicians hear option of not selling Australia nuclear submarines
This is the full text of a lengthy US Congressional Report into the AUKUS arrangements and their failure to include an Analysis of Alternatives (AOA). The report casts doubt on the AUKUS arrangement coming to fruition.
How the AUKUS Caucus built a cargo cult and called it strategy.
Australia is paying staggering sums for submarines that do not yet exist, to be built by industries in chronic difficulty, on timelines that belong to fantasy, while ceding real autonomy over real assets in the present.
AUKUS Caucus – The Australian Independent Media Network
AUKUS: “Full steam ahead” to nowhere?
What does “full steam ahead” mean in the AUKUS context?
Vanguard – Communist Party of Australia Marxist Leninist
Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet ‘no longer fit for purpose’
A former British Navy chief says Aukus programme should be “cancelled now”
Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet ‘no longer fit for purpose’
Wrong subs? US Admirals’ groupthink running Australia aground
Veteran journalist Michael Pascoe argues that a cabal of US Admirals committed to nuclear-powered subs has obstructed independent analysis of Australia’s submarine requirements.
Wrong subs? US Admirals’ groupthink running Australia aground – Michael West
The empty claim that AUKUS is good for jobs
Economist Prof. Al Rainnie dispels that myth that AUKUS is a jobs bonus,
The empty claim that AUKUS is good for jobs – Labor Tribune
Illawarra groups want Port Kembla ruled out for AUKUS nuclear submarine base
A strong statement from the Port Kembla community opposing plans for an AUKUS submarine base.
Illawarra groups want Port Kembla ruled out for AUKUS nuclear submarine base
Inside the $8b plan to station American sailors and subs near Perth through AUKUS
An ABC report on the expansion of facilities in WA to house 1000 US naval personnel.
Inside the $8b plan to station American sailors and subs near Perth through AUKUS
A Climate-first Foreign Policy for Australia
A body led by former senior Defence Department and military leaders is calling for an end to a foreign policy of “America first, Earth last”, and the adoption of one that is based on a climate-first, and more independent, perspective including abandoning AUKUS.
ASLCG-ClimateFirstForeignPolicy.pdf
Think Tanker Demands for AUKUS: What Australia Should do with US Submarines
Dr Binoy Kampmark lashes the stupidity of AUKUS and the current demand that Australia renounces sovereignty in favour of a commitment to future US wars.
Australia urged to give AUKUS sub ‘commitments’ to US in event of war
The US is pressuring Australia to commit in advance to any unjust and unwinnable war it provokes in our region as part of the cost for obtaining their second-hand nuclear-powered submarines.
Australia urged to give AUKUS sub ‘commitments’ to US in event of war – ABC News
AUKUS and the Australian American Leadership Dialogue
August 14, 2025 – Two US congressmen are currently in SA to spruik for AUKUS.
Vanguard – Communist Party of Australia Marxist Leninist
Loch polluted by radioactive waste from nuclear bomb plant
Confirmed leaks of radioactive wastes from a UK nuclear bomb storage site should concern all Australians facing AUKUS nuclear waste issues.
Loch polluted by radioactive waste from nuclear bomb plant
The AUKUS Submarine Deal is Dead
A US academic who teaches courses on international security foresees an unlikely scenario in which, with AUKUS dead, Australia pushes ahead to build its own nuclear-powered subs.
The AUKUS Submarine Deal is Dead – National Security Journal
AUKUS delusions. More rivets pop in submarine drama
Former submariner and senator Rex Patrick comments on the UK-Australia “Geelong Pact” and other problems in the AUKUS arrangements.
AUKUS delusions. More rivets pop in submarine drama – Michael West
US Chief of Naval Operations concerned about submarine construction tempo
Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter Kym Bergmann on US concerns about not being able to meet AUKUS supplies.
US Chief of Naval Operations concerned about submarine construction tempo – APDR
Australia pays US another $525 million to bolster AUKUS industrial base
Another A$800m in non-refundable payment to US imperialism as Colby’s AUKUS review approaches.
Australia pays US another $525 million to bolster AUKUS industrial base – Breaking Defense
Criticism, questions mount about AUKUS & US relations in Australia
A US perspective on growing unease within Australia over the AUKUS arrangements
Criticism, questions mount about AUKUS & US relations in Australia – Breaking Defense
Trillion dollar AUKUS subs plus nuclear waste in perpetuity?
Former submariner and Senator Rex Patrick says that the uncosted requirements for disposal of AUKUS nuclear wastes could more than double the cost of the AUKUS arrangements.
Trillion dollar AUKUS subs plus nuclear waste in perpetuity? – Michael West
Labor takes up powers to impose AUKUS N-sub nuclear wastes across SA and WA and NT
A briefing paper by environmental campaigner David Noonan on plans by Federal Labor to override State and Territory laws that prohibit nuclear waste storage.
Noonan-AUKUS-N-sub-regulations-to-override-SA-laws-July-2025.pdf
UK SSN AUKUS grand plan hinges on ‘significant’ shipbuilding investment: Analysts
With UK Labour committing to expand its own submarine fleet, and questions about BAE’s financial capacity, new problems have hit the UK AUKUS subs program.
UK SSN AUKUS grand plan hinges on ‘significant’ shipbuilding investment: Analysts – Breaking Defense
Australia Rejected Dutton’s Trumpism, But Albanese’s Embracing the Real Thing
The US didn’t need Dutton to win the federal election, not when it has AUKUS sycophants like Albanese in Canberra and Ambassador Rudd in Washington.
Australia Rejected Dutton’s Trumpism, But Albanese’s Embracing the Real Thing
Government ignores AUKUS ‘very high risk’ warning from the Admiral in charge
Former Senator and submariner Rex Patrick reveals Cabinet had been briefed on the “high risk” of the AUKUS project, but has concealed this from the public.
Government ignores AUKUS ‘very high risk’ warning from the Admiral in charge – Michael West
AUKUS is more than nuclear submarines and that’s a problem
Pillar Two: “It is critically important to realise here that there is a total loss of government control over where and when Australian weapons are exported. Like so much of the defence posture of Labor and the Coalition, they are cravenly surrendering our independence to Washington.”
AUKUS is more than nuclear submarines and that’s a problem | Pearls and Irritations
‘Embedded in the US war machine’: Retired Australian Army Major General calls for AUKUS review
General Smith calls on the next government to review the secretive $368bn AUKUS nuclear subs deal, saying the mammoth expenditure denies the chance of dealing peacefully and diplomatically with China.
‘Embedded in the US war machine’: Retired Australian Army Major General – Policy Wire
Despite Being Backstabbed by the US, Australia May Not Be Permitted to Ditch AUKUS
A very timely piece from the website of the Sydney Criminal Lawyers on AUKUS and US domination of Australia.
Despite Being Backstabbed by the US, Australia May Not Be Permitted to Ditch AUKUS
Will US blackmail us over AUKUS?
Policy makers in the US are saying that Virginia-class submarine sales should be conditional on Australia committing to war with China over Taiwan.
Vanguard – Communist Party of Australia Marxist Leninist
AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Sale Under Scrutiny as Trump Tariffs Rattle Australia
Unless Australia agrees in advance to commit its nuclear-powered submarines to a US “defence” of Taiwan, they may not be delivered, say US sources.
AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Sale Under Scrutiny as Trump Tariffs Rattle Australia
AUKUS and the Surrender of Transparency, Accountability, Sovereignty
Australians for War Powers Reform has just released its study into the AUKUS arrangements. It is a valuable reference for opponents of AUKUS.
Forget Plan B – just dump AUKUS now.
The anti-AUKUS united front is expanding, but it must be led in the right direction.
Vanguard – Communist Party of Australia Marxist Leninist
The AUKUS chickens are coming home to roost, already
Former diplomat and senior public servant John Menadue says we should be independent and that the visit of Chinese naval vessels is no surprise.
The AUKUS chickens are coming home to roost, already – Pearls and Irritations
Chinese warships sailing the Tasman Sea expose AUKUS folly
Former SA Senator and submariner Rex Patrick draws lessons about AUKUS following the passage of Chinese naval vessels past our coast.
Chinese warships sailing the Tasman Sea expose AUKUS folly – Michael West
AUKUS ‘impact assessment’ report ignores nuclear sub risks in SA
Independent Environment Campaigner David Noonan looks at what is excluded from the Impact Assessment Report on the environmental impacts of constructing nuclear submarines at Osborne, Port Adelaide.
AUKUS ‘impact assessment’ report ignores nuclear sub risks in SA – Pearls and Irritations
Time to stand up to the US
A refreshing view of the state of the US-Australia “Alliance” and of the stupidity of AUKUS from Kym Bergmann. the editor of the online Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, in this podcast.
APDR Podcast Episode 82 with host Kym Bergmann – APDR
Aussies announce $163M more for AUKUS initiatives, experts skeptical of ‘substance’
A US analysis of the latest waste of money on AUKUS initiatives.
Our case against AUKUS is more relevant than ever
This is a speech delivered by Labor Against War National Convenor Marcus Strom to the Kings Cross branch of the Australian Labor Party on 15 January 2025.
Our case against AUKUS is more relevant than ever – Pearls and Irritations
AUKUS is an intergenerational disaster. It will cause long term detriment to Australia’s security
Kellie Tranter says AUKUS commits us to a costly and dangerous trajectory.
AUKUS will ‘cannibalize’ other programs with no budget boost: Former top Aussie general
Former head of the ADF, Sir Angus Houston, on the budgetary implications of the AUKUS spend.
Pt Adelaide residents are opposing AUKUS nuclear waste storage
They recently held a well-attended public meeting, and are keeping up the pressure.
U.S. Submarine Program Faces Mounting Production Issues
Yes, mounting production issues – they are just not going away.
U.S. Submarine Program Faces Mounting Production Issues
US nuke sub production slowing down
Asia Pacific Defence Reporter editor Kym Bergmann cites US sources on the slowing down, not speeding up, of nuclear submarine production and of the Congressional Report that suggests Australia should not purchase submarines but spend its money on other military provision. An interesting 15-minute listen tohis podcast at: Episode 69 – Asia Pacific Defense Report | Acast
Congressional report suggests Australia could dump plans to acquire AUKUS nuclear submarines
Two links: an ABC report (short version) on the US Congressional Report, and the (long version) Congressional report itself.
rl32418-13.pdf (documentcloud.org)
Adding second Virginia-class sub would come at expense of Navy’s next-gen fighter, Austin warns
In more bad news for the AUKUS submarine schedule, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is opposing the expansion of Virginia-class production to two vessels a year.
Independence too big a price for AUKUS fantasy
Gareth Evans defends his view that AUKUS has profound negative implications for Australia’s security and sovereignty.
Independence too big a price for AUKUS fantasy – Pearls and Irritations (johnmenadue.com)
The AUKUS project is being submerged in twaddle
A critical take on the critics attacking AUKUS critics.
The AUKUS project is being submerged in twaddle – Pearls and Irritations (johnmenadue.com)
The dangers of AUKUS, the FPA and nuclear submarines
IPAN member Bevan Ramsden explains the implications of the Australian Nuclear Power Safety Bill, 2023 for residents near Garden Island, WA and Osborne, SA, both of which have been declared nuclear zones.
The dangers of AUKUS, the FPA and nuclear submarines – Pearls and Irritations (johnmenadue.com)
That time when Canada cancelled its nuclear submarine order
The author cites evidence from the US that it would prefer to operate more of its own nuclear subs out of WA then sell us their SSNs.
At Ingalls, plenty of space for shipbuilding but ramping up workforce will be the challenge
An online US Defense magazine reveals the problems the US has with expanding its shipbuilding workforce, with obvious implications for the AUKUS arrangements.
Gareth Evans: AUKUS is terrible for Australian national interests – but we’re probably stuck with it
Although not initially critical of Morrison’s AUKUS announcement, former Labor Foreign Minister Gareth Evans is now firmly opposed to the arrangements.
Revamped AUKUS document reveals how US and UK can walk away from nuclear submarine deal
Labor has tied us into the US war machine until 2075, but the US and UK can walk away with one year’s notice. And we still get the problem of nuclear waste.
Revamped AUKUS document reveals how US and UK can walk away from nuclear submarine deal – ABC News
EXCLUSIVE: Australian defense minister Richard Marles on AUKUS, China and industry concerns – Breaking Defense
Is it possible the Americans are just trying to embarrass us by publishing this inarticulate interview with Richard Marles? The guy is an idiot.
Congress’ Thinktank Flags AUKUS Alternative: US Submarine Base in WA and no Australian Subs
Paul Gregoire says that US Congress may prefer to build and keep the nuclear-powered submarines it was planning to sell to Australia.
AUKUS May Not Guarantee Any Subs, Bit It Does Ensure US Jurisdictional Drift.
Sydney-based journalist Paul Gregoire reviews the AUKUS arrangements and new legislation to protect them which include jail terms of up to20 years.
The Case Against AUKUS
Victorian Convenor of Labor Against War, Hamish McPherson, a public school teacher and AEU delegate, presents the Labor rank and file’s case against the AUKUS arrangements.
case-against-aukus-july-2024.pdf – Google Drive
Radioactive waste storage licence granted despite opposition
The Stirling Naval base in WA has been licensed by the government to store nuclear wastes from AUKUS submarines.
Radioactive waste storage licence granted despite opposition – APDR (asiapacificdefencereporter.com)
ANDREW FOWLER Nuked: The submarine fiasco that sank Australia’s sovereignty. Reviewed by Braham Dabscheck
According to Clinton Fernandes, Fowler’s book is “a nuclear-armed torpedo of a book and a major service to the Australian public. There is astonishing detail in every chapter.”
Canada commits to buying 12 new conventionally-powered, under-the-ice submarines
Canada has announced it will purchase 12 conventionally powered submarines at a cost estimated to be $A65 billion. In 2018, the Morrison government was told that the cost of 12 extended Collins class submarines, built in Australia, was $a20 billion. But he chose, and the ALP went along, with the AUKUS arrangements at a cost(so far) of $A368 billion.
Canada commits to buying 12 new conventionally-powered, under-the-ice submarines – Breaking Defense
‘A cruel joke’: Why AUKUS might leave Australia stranded
Continuing scepticism within the submarine and wider defence community about the AUKUS arrangements has surfaced in this AFR article. A team of defence experts concludes that the Albanese government is on course for a financial and strategic disaster with the billion-dollar AUKUS nuclear submarine project.
Across the Indo-Pacific, militaries scramble to put more submarines in the water
Our region is a “a hotbed for undersea-warfare developments,” an unwelcome development outlined in this US study of the boom in submarine acquisitions.
Across the Indo-Pacific, militaries scramble to put more submarines in the water – Breaking Defense
Worker Health Risks in an AUKUS Nuclear Sub Reactor Accident
Anti-nuclear campaigner David Noonan criticises the declaration of Osborne in SA as a “dedicated nuclear zone” in the absence of health impact studies and explains the dangers first responders will face in the event of a nuclear accident.
Noonan-Worker-Health-Risks-in-an-AUKUS-N-Sub-Reactor-Accident-April-2024.pdf (foe.org.au)
Why bet on a loser? Australia’s dangerous gamble on the US
Australian Anti-AUKUS Coalition (AAAC) and the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) member Michael Williss questions why we are spending $368 billion to make ourselves interoperable with a military that various experts say could not win a war with China.
Australian Futures: Bringing AUKUS Out of Stealth Mode
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) member Denis Bright argues that more needs to be done to counter the drift into acceptance of AUKUS.
Is Australia’s AUKUS submarine pathway really ‘optimal’?
There is a lot to disagree with in this paper – not surprising given its source. But both authors highlight problems with the AUKUS arrangements. Dr Elizabeth Buchanan’s outline of the problems is stronger, but her “solution” is much wronger.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/is-australias-aukus-submarine-pathway-really-optimal
Why Japan is no closer to joining AUKUS
Sichuan International Studies University Associate Professor Guo Binyun does not believe Japan will join AUKUS any time soon.
Why Japan is no closer to joining AUKUS (thinkchina.sg)
US Space Force is planning DARC with new military bases in the US, Australia and UK.
As part of AUKUS the UK/US Militaries plans to create a 27 dish ‘Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept’ – ‘DARC’ high-power radar station at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, Pembrokeshire in West Wales, UK. ‘PARC Against DARC’ has announced its official launch and fully intends to stop this military monstrosity ever seeing the light of day. The brand new website, www.parcagainstdarc.com comes as part of the launch and states that the proposals are “One of the most Health-Hazardous, tourism-ruining, skyline blighting military installations ever proposed anywhere in the UK”.
AUKUS and the Nuclear Agenda: the challenge for the labour movement
An edited speech given at ACTU Fringe Meeting, 3 June 2024, AEU South Australia offices, Adelaide by Labor Against War’s Marcus Strom.
AUKUS: No refund…
Even within the Defence community, there is a cynicism about the AUKUS arrangements. Australia Pacific Defence Reporter, Kym Bergmann, critiques the “no refund” payments to US and UK industries:
Australia, Defence and the anti-Midas touch with submarines
Rex Patrick is a former SA Senator and submariner. He is scathing of the financial cost of the AUKUS arrangements.
Australia, Defence and the anti-Midas touch with submarines – Michael West
A Detectable Subservience
Michael Williss, retired AEU research officer and AAAC member, looks at technical issues that may destroy the claims that nuclear-powered submarines are stealthy and undetectable.
A Detectable Subservience – » The Australian Independent Media Network (theaimn.com)