An independent public inquiry into the AUKUS security partnership Launched 10 March 2026
Independent Civil Society Review  ·  Launched 10 March 2026

Australians Deserve the Truth About AUKUS

At least $368 billion — the largest transfer of sovereign wealth in our history. Minimal transparency.

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Examining the partnership between
Australia
United Kingdom
United States

Help fund a genuine, open public inquiry into AUKUS.

$368B+
Estimated Cost to Australia
$10B
Already Spent on US & UK Shipyards
Zero
Parliamentary Scrutiny of the Deal
About This Inquiry

Why we urgently need a Public Inquiry

The AUKUS deal was conceived in secret and with deception — and continues to be shrouded in secrecy despite the incredibly high stakes and massive cost. Our government has already spent $10 billion of our taxes on US and UK shipyards at a time when much of the world is in conflict and Australians are suffering from a cost-of-living crisis.

A group of former MPs, retired military and naval officers, leading strategists and academics, human rights lawyers and union leaders are committing to an independent Public Inquiry into AUKUS. This inquiry is coordinated by the Australian Peace and Security Forum (APSF) — ensuring it is grounded in expertise, independence, and a commitment to serious evidence-based examination.

"So many questions, so few answers. The Australian public deserve more than Cold War rhetoric to justify the mind-boggling expenditure associated with acquiring second-hand, and yet to be designed attack class, nuclear propelled submarines."
— Doug Cameron, former ALP Senator
"AUKUS represents the worst defence decision since we relied on Britain to protect us in World War II."
— Major General Michael G Smith AO (Ret'd)
A Public Inquiry must answer:
  • Will Australia ever receive the submarines we're paying for?
  • Where and how will the high-level nuclear waste be stored?
  • How many real Australian jobs will this create and at what opportunity cost?
  • Why are we joining the US to potentially go to war against China, our major trading partner?
  • Will AUKUS jeopardise our sovereignty?
  • Will AUKUS make us safer — or turn us into a nuclear target?
Key Issues

The questions this inquiry is examining

From financial accountability to nuclear risk — these are the critical areas under review.

01
Cost & Fiscal Impact

Is the $368B+ price tag accurate? What is the opportunity cost to healthcare, education, climate action, and closing the gap?

02
Strategic Rationale

Does AUKUS genuinely enhance Australian security, or does it increase our exposure to great-power conflict with China?

03
Sovereignty & Independence

Is AUKUS locking Australia further into the US war machine at the expense of our independence as a middle power?

04
Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Does the transfer of nuclear technology set a dangerous precedent? Where will high-level nuclear waste be stored?

05
Environmental Consequences

What are the long-term environmental risks of operating nuclear-powered submarines in Australian waters?

06
Alternatives Considered

Were credible and less costly alternatives to AUKUS properly assessed before the decision was made in secret?

Latest

News & Updates

Why does Australia need a public inquiry into AUKUS?
▶
March 18 2026
AUKUS: So Many Questions, So Few Answers

The Australian public deserve to understand the implications of the Morrison/Albanese secretive AUKUS agreement.

Read Article →
March 10 2026
Crowdfunding Campaign Launches on Chuffed

The inquiry has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover hearings, expert witnesses, travel, and public reporting costs.

Donate Here →
March 10 2026
Media Release: Launch of Public Inquiry into AUKUS

"Secretive Parliamentary committees stacked with proponents of AUKUS does not serve the public interest. Help fund a genuine public open inquiry."

Download Media Release →
Those Committing to the Inquiry

Those committing to this inquiry

Support the Inquiry

Help fund a genuine public inquiry

We need funding for travel for commissioners and expert witnesses, event spaces for public hearings, accommodation and logistics, and documentation and public reporting. Every contribution helps bring accountability to the largest defence decision in Australia's history.

Every contribution counts
$25Help Ask the Questions
$50Support Transparency
$100Bring Expert Voices to the Table
$250Power a Public Hearing
$500+Defend Democratic Accountability
Donate on Chuffed →

All contributions will be regularly audited.