In this episode, we look at the latest twist in Australia’s AUKUS submarine saga – the 50-year treaty signed between Australia and the UK, locking in massive future commitments for a new class of nuclear-powered submarines. Defence Minister Richard Marles calls it a landmark agreement, but where is the US in this supposedly “trilateral” alliance? With the United States now reconsidering its role in AUKUS amid its renewed “America First” doctrine, this so-called partnership looks more like a costly one-way deal for Australia.
Australia has already spent $1.6 billion with the US and received nothing in return. Now, we’re handing over billions more to the UK to build nuclear submarines we may never get or use. As the United States struggles with shipbuilding capacity and prioritises its own defence needs, Australia is effectively subsidising both the American and British defence industries with very little to show for it. Add to that the uncertain future of Virginia-class submarines and potential legal restrictions under US law, and this becomes not just a bad deal – it’s arguably the worst in Australia’s history.
We also explore the second week of federal Parliament, where the Coalition continues its post-election confusion. The Nationals have introduced a private members bill to scrap Australia’s net zero emissions commitment by 2050 – despite this being a losing issue at the 2025 federal election. Meanwhile, state branches of the Liberal Party in South Australia and Western Australia are also distancing themselves from net zero targets and proceeding with their ongoing culture wars.
Inflation news brings a glimmer of hope, with the annual rate falling to 2.1 per cent, paving the way for a possible Reserve Bank rate cut. But it’s not all good news – aged care reforms have been delayed, leading to increased pressure on hospitals and calls for 20,000 new home care packages. The government’s reliance on private sector delivery of public services – both in aged care and early education – is coming under renewed scrutiny.
The humanitarian crisis in Palestine also saw significant developments. Australia joined 15 nations in signing a joint statement supporting a two-state solution, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s conditions for recognising Palestine suggest more delay and political hedging. The global momentum for recognising Palestine is building – driven by undeniable evidence of starvation and war crimes in Gaza – but Australia remains tepid, with duplicity from key figures such as Senator Penny Wong, who finally admitted that Australian-manufactured parts are being used in Israeli F-35 fighter jets.
We also examine the mechanisms for removing MPs from parliament following serious criminal convictions – like in the case of NSW MP Gareth Ward, recently found guilty of sexual assault offences. The current legal thresholds for disqualification vary between NSW and federal jurisdictions, raising urgent questions about accountability, democratic standards, and electoral reform.
Song listing:
‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.
‘Effloresce And Deliquesce’, The Chills.
‘Dātura’, Tori Amos.
‘Wherever We Go’, Vera Blue.
‘Trouble’, Vox Noir, SATV Music.
‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).
