Labor MP Ed Husic Demands AUKUS Renegotiation After Submarine Shift

The Australian government faces internal party dissent after altering its AUKUS submarine acquisition plan. Defence Minister Richard Marles, following meetings with US War Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore, announced that Australia will now receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States. This departs from the 2023 optimal pathway, which stipulated a mix of two used and one new vessel.

Labor MP Ed Husic has challenged the commitment, citing US production failures at shipyards, workforce shortages, and supply chain issues. Husic has demanded a new caucus vote and a renegotiation of the pact, claiming the agreement has changed significantly from the original terms. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson described the dissent as a "Labor revolt" and urged the government to maintain a unified front while calling for a contingency plan.

Simultaneously, former Labor minister Peter Garrett launched a crowdfunded "people's inquiry" to investigate the strategic and security implications of the deal, appointing retired admiral Chris Barrie as a commissioner. Despite this pressure, Defence Minister Marles and Defence Secretary Megan Quinn defended the shift, asserting that three in-service submarines was always the preference and provides a simpler, cheaper financial outcome. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy reaffirmed the government's overall support for the arrangements.