The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold two public hearing this week for its inquiry into the Agreement among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (AUKUS agreement).
The public hearings will take place in Perth on October 22, 2024, and Canberra on October 24.
The framework established under the AUKUS agreement will enable the exchange of information and the transfer of material and equipment between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America to deliver nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia.
The Treaties Committee is empowered by its resolution of appointment to inquire into and report on ‘matters arising from treaties and related National Interest Analyses and proposed treaty actions and related Explanatory Statements presented or deemed to be presented to the Parliament’.
“The AUKUS agreement is intended to provide Australia with access to critical naval propulsion information, facilitating Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines,” said Committee Chair Lisa Chesters. “The Committee’s inquiry is continuing to examine whether the trilateral agreement will provide Australia with a strategic advantage and access to submarines that will enhance our existing fleet.”
“The Committee looks forward to hearing from witnesses in Adelaide about local benefits and potential challenges presented by the AUKUS agreement,” Chester added. “The Committee will also speak with representatives from ASC, who will sustain and jointly build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines. ASC has extensive experience sustaining Australia’s Collins-Class submarines and the Committee is interested to learn more about the future of Australia’s domestic submarine industry under the AUKUS agreement.”
