TV host slams ‘Pinocchio PM's' raft of campaign lies, reveals where Coalition campaign went wrong while delivering major pre-election verdict
Sky News host Danica de Giorgio has provided her verdict on the 2025 Federal Election campaign, rebuking the Prime Minister for espousing a litany of mistruths and emphasising the higher than usual soft vote amongst an increasingly disillusioned electorate.
As the election campaign enters its final stretch, polls are overwhelmingly predicting the Labor will be re-elected as either a minority or majority government. Yet they also indicate support for the major parties has plummeted to historic lows.
In today's Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll, Labor led the Coalition 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent two-party-preferred, with the Coalition's primary vote falling 2 points to 37 per cent while Labor's rose 1 point to 33 per cent.
De Giorgio described the five-week contest as one of the 'most disrupted election campaigns in history', stressing it should have served as a 'referendum on Anthony Albanese'
'It has been a boring campaign, you can see that from the unusually high soft vote, that voters are disillusioned,' she said.
The host argued that the consistently high number of undecided voters in a variety of polls demonstrated that punters disapproved of Anthony Albanese, yet did not know who Peter Dutton was or what he stood for.
The campaign was also saturated with embellished claims and outright distortion of the truth, with de Giorgio labelling Mr Albanese the 'Pinocchio Prime Minister' and the 'king of con'.
'Labor was elected on a cost-of-living mandate. I don't need to tell you how that's worked out – you know. Housing affordability has never been worse," she said.
De Giorgio fiercely criticised Labor for advancing several scare campaigns, primarily in relation to Medicare and nuclear energy and stated that both were misleading and inaccurate.
The presenter said, 'Labor's number one tactic this election – if not obsessing over Peter Dutton – it's been scare campaigns' and reiterated the PM's constant message that the LNP would defund social services was false, stating 'the Coalition pledged nine billion dollars for Medicare, more than Labor's pledge'.
However, she also exposed how the Coalition failed to seize opportunities and capture the momentum leading into the campaign, stating it would 'take a miracle' for Peter Dutton to secure a majority in the nation's parliament.
'There has been no contest of ideas. Policy has been more like thought bubbles – and policy on the run, made up day by day'.
De Giorgio also panned Peter Dutton for not being bolder in his responses, selecting his 'wishy washy' reaction to President Trump's sweeping Liberation Day tariffs as the 'moment something changed'.
'The answer is yes, you trust the leader of the free world as our number one ally,' de Giorgio said.
According to the Sky News host, from this point on the Opposition Leader's strategy became 'weaker – and almost fearful, and it spiralled from there'.
The host also stressed that 'nuclear was a key, point of difference for the Coalition' and questioned why the Opposition Leader gradually toned down his rhetoric 'from the reality of this great resource?'.
'It's been a real shame to see a backdown of sorts. Now I am not being negative, but what does the Coalition stand for?' she asked.
Ms de Giorgio concluded by officially endorsing the Opposition Leader for the top job, imploring that 'Peter Dutton should be prime minister tomorrow'.
'[Peter Dutton] represents the change this country so desperately needs – to lift us out of Labor's man-made rut'.
'Peter Dutton is a strong leader, a good man, you can see he genuinely loves this country and wants to see it thrive. Surely, voters will not overwhelmingly reward Albo after the mess he has left this country in'.
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Landmark weapons search laws made permanent
Landmark police search powers have become permanent in a crime-hit state, allowing officers to scan people for weapons in public places. Queensland's Liberal National government passed changes to make 'Jack's Law' permanent during a late-night sitting on Wednesday, fulfilling an election promise. "Jack's Law is a proven deterrent, and more than 3,000 arrests shows just how critical it has become in modern policing," Police Minister Dan Purdie said. Jack's Law had been on trial until 2026 after being introduced by the former state Labor government, allowing police to randomly search people for weapons using metal-detecting wands without a warrant. It was introduced after the fatal stabbing of NSW teenager Jack Beasley during a night out on the Gold Coast drew national attention. NSW, Western Australia and the Northern Territory adopted similar laws after six people were fatally stabbed at a Sydney shopping centre. Tasmania passed laws to allowing wanding in April while Victoria recently banned machetes and expanded police search powers. Queensland's amended laws mean police can use handheld metal detectors to seize concealed weapons in "relevant places," including shopping centres, retail premises, sporting and entertainment venues, licensed venues, and rail lines. The state opposition had proposed the laws be expanded to ban the sale of machetes unless a person has a permit, following in Victoria's footsteps, however, that was shut down by the state government. Previously, the laws were trialled to allow police to wand in a "safe night precinct" in the Gold Coast before it was expanded to include 14 other nightlife areas and public transport stations across the state. Police have conducted more than 116,000 weapon scans in the past two years, resulting in the arrest of over 3,000 people on approximately 5,500 charges. The laws have resulted in 1126 deadly weapons removed from the state's streets. "Jack Beasley's legacy will have a profound impact on the lives of Queenslanders, ultimately making our streets a safer place to live," Mr Purdie said. Jack's parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have campaigned tirelessly nationwide to expand the laws to prevent what happened to their son from happening to anyone else. "Every day we live with the pain of losing Jack," Mr Beasley said. But the expansion and permanency of the laws has given the pair some peace. "Knowing that his legacy is helping save lives and spare other families from that pain gives us strength," Mr Beasley said. "Today is not just about making new laws, it's about protecting people and we're proud that Jack's legacy is about making Queensland safer." Landmark police search powers have become permanent in a crime-hit state, allowing officers to scan people for weapons in public places. Queensland's Liberal National government passed changes to make 'Jack's Law' permanent during a late-night sitting on Wednesday, fulfilling an election promise. "Jack's Law is a proven deterrent, and more than 3,000 arrests shows just how critical it has become in modern policing," Police Minister Dan Purdie said. Jack's Law had been on trial until 2026 after being introduced by the former state Labor government, allowing police to randomly search people for weapons using metal-detecting wands without a warrant. It was introduced after the fatal stabbing of NSW teenager Jack Beasley during a night out on the Gold Coast drew national attention. NSW, Western Australia and the Northern Territory adopted similar laws after six people were fatally stabbed at a Sydney shopping centre. Tasmania passed laws to allowing wanding in April while Victoria recently banned machetes and expanded police search powers. Queensland's amended laws mean police can use handheld metal detectors to seize concealed weapons in "relevant places," including shopping centres, retail premises, sporting and entertainment venues, licensed venues, and rail lines. The state opposition had proposed the laws be expanded to ban the sale of machetes unless a person has a permit, following in Victoria's footsteps, however, that was shut down by the state government. Previously, the laws were trialled to allow police to wand in a "safe night precinct" in the Gold Coast before it was expanded to include 14 other nightlife areas and public transport stations across the state. Police have conducted more than 116,000 weapon scans in the past two years, resulting in the arrest of over 3,000 people on approximately 5,500 charges. The laws have resulted in 1126 deadly weapons removed from the state's streets. "Jack Beasley's legacy will have a profound impact on the lives of Queenslanders, ultimately making our streets a safer place to live," Mr Purdie said. Jack's parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have campaigned tirelessly nationwide to expand the laws to prevent what happened to their son from happening to anyone else. "Every day we live with the pain of losing Jack," Mr Beasley said. But the expansion and permanency of the laws has given the pair some peace. "Knowing that his legacy is helping save lives and spare other families from that pain gives us strength," Mr Beasley said. "Today is not just about making new laws, it's about protecting people and we're proud that Jack's legacy is about making Queensland safer." Landmark police search powers have become permanent in a crime-hit state, allowing officers to scan people for weapons in public places. Queensland's Liberal National government passed changes to make 'Jack's Law' permanent during a late-night sitting on Wednesday, fulfilling an election promise. "Jack's Law is a proven deterrent, and more than 3,000 arrests shows just how critical it has become in modern policing," Police Minister Dan Purdie said. Jack's Law had been on trial until 2026 after being introduced by the former state Labor government, allowing police to randomly search people for weapons using metal-detecting wands without a warrant. It was introduced after the fatal stabbing of NSW teenager Jack Beasley during a night out on the Gold Coast drew national attention. NSW, Western Australia and the Northern Territory adopted similar laws after six people were fatally stabbed at a Sydney shopping centre. Tasmania passed laws to allowing wanding in April while Victoria recently banned machetes and expanded police search powers. Queensland's amended laws mean police can use handheld metal detectors to seize concealed weapons in "relevant places," including shopping centres, retail premises, sporting and entertainment venues, licensed venues, and rail lines. The state opposition had proposed the laws be expanded to ban the sale of machetes unless a person has a permit, following in Victoria's footsteps, however, that was shut down by the state government. Previously, the laws were trialled to allow police to wand in a "safe night precinct" in the Gold Coast before it was expanded to include 14 other nightlife areas and public transport stations across the state. Police have conducted more than 116,000 weapon scans in the past two years, resulting in the arrest of over 3,000 people on approximately 5,500 charges. The laws have resulted in 1126 deadly weapons removed from the state's streets. "Jack Beasley's legacy will have a profound impact on the lives of Queenslanders, ultimately making our streets a safer place to live," Mr Purdie said. Jack's parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have campaigned tirelessly nationwide to expand the laws to prevent what happened to their son from happening to anyone else. "Every day we live with the pain of losing Jack," Mr Beasley said. But the expansion and permanency of the laws has given the pair some peace. "Knowing that his legacy is helping save lives and spare other families from that pain gives us strength," Mr Beasley said. "Today is not just about making new laws, it's about protecting people and we're proud that Jack's legacy is about making Queensland safer." Landmark police search powers have become permanent in a crime-hit state, allowing officers to scan people for weapons in public places. Queensland's Liberal National government passed changes to make 'Jack's Law' permanent during a late-night sitting on Wednesday, fulfilling an election promise. "Jack's Law is a proven deterrent, and more than 3,000 arrests shows just how critical it has become in modern policing," Police Minister Dan Purdie said. Jack's Law had been on trial until 2026 after being introduced by the former state Labor government, allowing police to randomly search people for weapons using metal-detecting wands without a warrant. It was introduced after the fatal stabbing of NSW teenager Jack Beasley during a night out on the Gold Coast drew national attention. NSW, Western Australia and the Northern Territory adopted similar laws after six people were fatally stabbed at a Sydney shopping centre. Tasmania passed laws to allowing wanding in April while Victoria recently banned machetes and expanded police search powers. Queensland's amended laws mean police can use handheld metal detectors to seize concealed weapons in "relevant places," including shopping centres, retail premises, sporting and entertainment venues, licensed venues, and rail lines. The state opposition had proposed the laws be expanded to ban the sale of machetes unless a person has a permit, following in Victoria's footsteps, however, that was shut down by the state government. Previously, the laws were trialled to allow police to wand in a "safe night precinct" in the Gold Coast before it was expanded to include 14 other nightlife areas and public transport stations across the state. Police have conducted more than 116,000 weapon scans in the past two years, resulting in the arrest of over 3,000 people on approximately 5,500 charges. The laws have resulted in 1126 deadly weapons removed from the state's streets. "Jack Beasley's legacy will have a profound impact on the lives of Queenslanders, ultimately making our streets a safer place to live," Mr Purdie said. Jack's parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have campaigned tirelessly nationwide to expand the laws to prevent what happened to their son from happening to anyone else. "Every day we live with the pain of losing Jack," Mr Beasley said. But the expansion and permanency of the laws has given the pair some peace. "Knowing that his legacy is helping save lives and spare other families from that pain gives us strength," Mr Beasley said. "Today is not just about making new laws, it's about protecting people and we're proud that Jack's legacy is about making Queensland safer."
The Advertiser
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'Deeply concerning': AUKUS deal under threat as Trump launches review
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Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. 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After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s. The United States has launched a snap review of the AUKUS submarine deal, throwing its $368 billion security pact with Australia into doubt just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential meeting with Donald Trump. After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s. The United States has launched a snap review of the AUKUS submarine deal, throwing its $368 billion security pact with Australia into doubt just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential meeting with Donald Trump. After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s.
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
Defence Minister Richard Marles defends AUKUS as Trump review casts shadow over $368 billion trilateral pact
Defence Minister Richard Marles has defended the Albanese government's commitment to AUKUS after the Trump administration launched a review into the $368 billion deal. The US announced a formal review of the arrangement after the Trump administration called on Australia to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would not react to political pressure on but that he would address defence policy according to need and capability. The US Pentagon's review was announced on Thursday sparking concerns about the rising uncertainty of AUKUS's future. 'We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review,' Mr Marles said in a statement response to the US review. 'It is natural that the administration would want to examine this major undertaking including progress and delivery. 'Our engagement with the Trump administration and across the full political spectrum of the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS.' The US Pentagon confirmed it was reassessing the defence pact on Thursday to ensure the initiative meets 'common sense, America first criteria'. Under the deal, Australia would acquire nuclear power submarines and share advanced technologies with the US in a $368 billion deal over three decades. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy, Malcolm Davis, told Sky News the review was likely tied to the lack of defence spending. 'I think it is (related to calls to lift defence spending) … I think that he (Mr Albanese) does need to do more to increase defence spending,' Mr David said on Thursday. Responding to a question by Sky News at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Mr Albanese left the door open to increasing defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP. However, he insisted the decision would be guided by national interest and not external pressure. 'I think that Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that,' Mr Albanese said. 'I've made it very clear—we will support the capability that Australia needs. Arbitrary figures lead to a cul-de-sac. 'And we want to make sure as well that every single dollar that defence spends results in actual assets.' Mr Albanese acknowledged former Defence Chief Angus Houston's recent remarks that 'AUKUS must be a net addition to Australia's military capability", which he said would require lifting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP. While praising Mr Houston as 'a friend' whose advice he respects, Mr Albanese reiterated that 'no one else' could dictate Australian military policy. AUKUS was formed in 2021 to address worries about China's growing power—and it would see Australia acquire up to five US Virginia-class submarines from 2032. Then, Britain and Australia would design and build a new class of submarine, with US assistance. The Australian Greens have raised concerns that the AUKUS 'deal is sinking' and renewed calls to review the pact. 'Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies… he puts US interests first and allies last,' Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge said. 'The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally.' Vocal sceptics among Trump's senior policy officials include Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser. Mr Colby warned in 2024 that submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and US industry could not produce enough to meet American demand. Submarines would be central to US military strategy in any confrontation with China cantered in the First Island Chain, from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines. "My concern is why are we giving away this crown jewel asset when we most need it," Mr Colby said last year. Only six countries operate nuclear-powered submarines: the US, the UK, Russia, China, France and India.
