Politics live: Australia always preferred secondhand Aukus submarines, defence secretary says | Australia news
Defense minister claims Australia has always preferred used submarines
Dan Jervis-Bardy
Defense officials explained that Australia’s preference had always been to purchase second-hand nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus agreement, leading the Coalition to question whether the original arrangement had been “imposed” on the Albanian government.
Secretary of Defence, Meghan QuinnSenate predictions were debated on Tuesday night over the announcement that Australia would buy three used Virginia-class submarines from the US rather than a combination of new and old ships.
Under questioning by the shadow defense secretary, James PatersonQuinn said reforming the agreement was a “consensus idea” from Australia and the US.
When asked which country first proposed the alternative plan, Quinn said:
Australia’s position is that we would always prefer three submarines (submarines) in service.
Surprised, Paterson asked why the Albanian government had accepted the original agreement if this was not its preference.
They imposed a new submarine on us and said that even if you want to put three submarines into service, you have to buy a new submarine?
Quinn’s response was:
This is a decades-long joint exercise working in collaboration with an alliance partner to deliver a capability that is important and crucial to Australia’s national defence. So there are many reasons why the three submarines (submarines) in service are simpler and less costly due to training of personnel, sustainment arrangements, maintenance requirements and all these aspects.
important events
Wong responded to Husic’s Aukus call: “Individuals will have their own opinions”
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny WongIgnored Labor MP’s concerns Ed HusicCalling for a rethink of the Aukus agreement and saying the government still believes a deal with the US and UK is the best way forward
Wong is in the hot seat on the media tour this morning, starting ABC’s News Breakfast.
He says former Coalition governments “continued to change course on submarines”, leaving a capability gap in Australia’s defense force.
I understand that individuals will have their own views but obviously I speak as a member of the cabinet and the government and we believe it is in our country’s interest for this project to continue moving forward… We believe that cutting and replacing will only set the country back.
Asked about growing criticism from within and outside the Labor Party, including former Labor MP Peter GarrettWong says Labor is “the only political party to have an open debate in front of the media”.
Good morning
Krishani Dhanji
Good morning, Krishani Dhanji Here’s to another busy day of sitting – thank you Martin Farrer for starting us.
While the debate on the government’s bill to change the capital gains tax and tax offset continues today, the opposition called for the bill to be divided. We will also be keeping a close eye on the forecast as the Defense and Submarine Agency brings senators to the fore this morning.
prime minister of Solomon Islands Matthew Walewill go to parliament today for talks Anthony Albanese. There are reports from this morning nine newspapers He said Albanese would use this time with the new prime minister to begin talks on a settlement agreement and revive a police agreement.
There’s so much going on, let’s get stuck in!
University changed Wi-Fi terms to monitor ‘policy violations’, report says
Caitlin Cassidy
The University of Melbourne (UoM) has changed its terms of use of wifi to allow university monitoring of the network to help detect “suspected unlawful behaviour” or “breaches of university policies”, a new report into campus freedom of expression has revealed.
The final report, published on Wednesday, was the result of a public inquiry into freedom of expression regarding Palestine on campus, launched in 2025 by students and academics with the support of the Greens. He had 150 written submissions and three public hearings.
An investigation found the UoM breached Victoria’s Privacy and Data Protection Act when it used its Wi-Fi network to spy on students and staff staging a pro-Palestinian protest. It quietly introduced new terms of use in January, despite the state’s deputy information commissioner describing the surveillance as a “breach of trust”.
A UoM spokesperson said it was “the university’s responsibility to foster a safe and respectful environment while maintaining compliance with our policies”.
The wireless terms of use were revised following community feedback and republished in January 2026, and now include more information on how wireless network data may be used.
The report found widespread restrictions on freedom of expression and academic freedom since the establishment of pro-Palestinian camps in 2024, including disciplinary penalties, protest crackdowns and surveillance.
Greens deputy leader and boss of the investigation, Senator Mehreen FaruqiHe said the findings were “chilling.”
While universities should support academic freedom and freedom of expression, harsh measures to silence dissent are highly reprehensible.
Bart SteinmanAn executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, who participated in the investigation, said universities were facing a “right-wing culture war”.
Australian soldiers to be sent to Poland for training with Ukrainians
Dan Jervis-Bardy
Australian troops will be deployed to Poland in the coming weeks to train Ukrainian soldiers to support the fight against Russia’s illegal occupation.
Australian Defense Force personnel have been in the UK since January 2023, helping to train Ukrainian soldiers in basic infantry tactics, leadership and military skills.
But in the coming weeks, ADF personnel will be shifted to Poland as part of a Norwegian-led operation, bringing Australian troops even closer to the conflict zone.
The defense minister, who made the announcement last night, said: Richard Marlesin question:
Australia continues to tailor our contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remains practical, relevant and aligned with the most pressing needs.
ADF personnel trained more than 3,650 Ukrainians in the UK as part of Operation Kudu.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Australian government has provided more than $1.7 billion in support to Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military aid.
Defense minister claims Australia has always preferred used submarines
Dan Jervis-Bardy
Defense officials explained that Australia’s preference had always been to purchase second-hand nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus agreement, leading the Coalition to question whether the original arrangement had been “imposed” on the Albanian government.
Secretary of Defence, Meghan QuinnSenate predictions were debated on Tuesday night over the announcement that Australia would buy three used Virginia-class submarines from the US rather than a combination of new and old ships.
Under questioning by the shadow defense secretary, James PatersonQuinn said reforming the agreement was a “consensus idea” from Australia and the US.
When asked which country first proposed the alternative plan, Quinn said:
Australia’s position is that we would always prefer three submarines (submarines) in service.
Surprised, Paterson asked why the Albanian government had accepted the original agreement if this was not its preference.
They imposed a new submarine on us and said that even if you want to put three submarines into service, you have to buy a new submarine?
Quinn’s response was:
This is a decades-long joint exercise working in collaboration with an alliance partner to deliver a capability that is important and crucial to Australia’s national defence. So there are many reasons why the three submarines (submarines) in service are simpler and less costly due to training of personnel, sustainment arrangements, maintenance requirements and all these aspects.
Welcome
Martin Farrer
Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I Martin Farrer with the best night stories and then Krishani Dhanji will be your guide.
Australia’s preference was always to buy second-hand nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus deal, the defense minister estimated last night in the Senate. More is coming.
Australia will also send ADF troops to Poland to help train Ukrainian fighters. More on this subject soon.
