Paul Keating Propels US Aukus Evaluation as Potential Salvation for Australia, While Doubters Applaud Prospect of Withdrawal | Aukus

A chorus of Aukus skeptics, including former prime ministers Paul Keating and Malcolm Turnbull, argue that a US review represents an opportunity for Australia to reconsider a controversial deal that would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and potentially undermine its defense capabilities. The US department of defense announced a 30-day review of the Aukus deal to ensure alignment with President Biden’s “America first” agenda and to assess the defense industrial base. Keating said the review could be a chance for the US to protect Australia from the poorly conceived deal, which he claims was hastily planned. Turnbull called for Australia to conduct its own review of the agreement. Former foreign minister Bob Carr suggested that the US and Australia should reach a mutual agreement that recognizes Aukus might not serve either country’s interests. Critics argue that the deal could lead to the basing of a substantial nuclear submarine fleet in Australian ports, making them potential targets in any conflict between the US and China. They also question the US’s ability to supply submarines due to its own significant lag in shipbuilding. Shoebridge, a Greens spokesperson, called for more independent defense and foreign policies and argued that the AUKUS deal makes Australia a junior partner in American military strategy.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/12/paul-keating-malcolm-turnbull-bob-carr-rex-patrick-david-shoebridge-say-us-aukus-review-a-chance-to-exit-pact