Federal Labor MPs asked questions about the cost of the AUKUS deal in caucus as teals debated the value during question time.
Kim Carr has called AUKUS a “huge leap into the dark”, joining other high-profile Labor members in criticising the deal.
The comments intensify the row over the sweeping defence plan after former prime minister Paul Keating,and former foreign minister Gareth Evans challenged it with opinions ranging from ferocious criticism to cautious doubt. “The fundamental question is whether this is the best use of $368 billion of public money in defence of Australia,” he said.“I don’t believe the question has been answered. And I am deeply concerned about a revival of a forward defence policy, given our performance in Vietnam, so there are several levels on which we should question this plan more closely.
“I want upheld the notion that even under ANZUS, there should be no assumption of Australian engagement,” he said.to the deal, saying in a social media post that “AUKUS stinks”. Albanese fielded questions in the caucus meeting from Jerome Laxale, the member for Bennelong in Sydney, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, the member for Higgins in Melbourne, and Libby Coker, the member for Corangamite around Geelong.
“I’m concerned about the cost/benefit analysis of AUKUS and the risk of losing sovereignty over Australian defence resources,” said Zali Steggall, the member for Warringah.
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