Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has expressed renewed criticism of the AUKUS deal. In an opinion piece, Keating accused Defence Minister Richard Marles of changing his argument for the submarine purchase from protection against invasion to protecting sea lanes for trade. Keating claimed this shift in the government’s justification for the need for submarines was a significant change in scale, purpose, and urgency. Marles defended the government’s decision and clarified that the new circumstances in 2023 required a different capability, citing the country’s increased trade connections with the world. Nationals leader David Littleproud dismissed Keating’s criticism and called for a more sensible discussion on civil nuclear energy systems. Keating’s latest comments follow his recent appearance at the National Press Club, where he referred to the AUKUS deal as the “worst deal in all history.”
Ex-PM Keating Criticizes AUKUS Deal.
