Greens senator David Shoebridge has issued a sharp warning over Australia’s role in AUKUS, arguing the country must not allow its defence policy to be shaped entirely by Washington’s strategic rivalry with China.
Shoebridge said Australia should focus on defending its own region rather than buying highly expensive U.S. weapons platforms that could pull the country into what he described as “someone else’s knife fight.” His comments come as AUKUS faces renewed scrutiny over Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine plans, including reports that Australia is now expected to receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States instead of the earlier mix of two used and one new vessel.
The warning goes to the heart of a growing national debate: is AUKUS strengthening Australian security, or tying the country too closely to U.S. military strategy in the Pacific?
Supporters argue the pact gives Australia the long-range deterrence needed in a more dangerous region. Critics say it risks weakening Australia’s sovereignty by making future governments more likely to support U.S. actions in any confrontation with China.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the agreement, saying AUKUS is “full steam ahead” and that Australia’s alliance with the United States remains important, while also insisting the government wants peace and security in the region.
For Shoebridge and other critics, the question is no longer just about submarines. It is about whether Australia is preparing to defend itself — or positioning itself for a war decided in Washington.