by Defence Minister Richard Marles is hitting back at claims the AUKUS military alliance will undermine the future of Australia’s military sovereignty.
In a speech to Parliament today, he will seek to ease worries that the defence pact between Australia, Britain and the US poses any risk.
Former prime ministers Paul Keating and Malcolm Turnbull have critcised AUKUS, saying it makes Australia too dependent on the US.
READ MORE: Four Australians missing as earthquake death toll passes 11,000
But Marles he will argue the treaty – under which the Australian navy will acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines – will help build capabilities and expand strategic options despite the criticism.
He will argue the Australian Defence Force can better respond to threats in the Asia Pacific region with the help of American and British submarine technology.
His speech to MPs comes ahead of next month’s announcement about the type of nuclear-propelled submarine technology Australia will obtain.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to visit Washington for a possible joint press conference with US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Nine Newspapers report.
READ MORE: ‘Strong indications’ Putin approved MH17 missile supply
The former coalition government launched AUKUS in September 2021.
It triggered a major diplomatic row between Canberra and Paris when Australia cancelled a $90 billion submarine deal with a French defence contractor.
The alliance drew criticism from former Labor PM Keating who said Australia would become too dependent on the US.
Early this year, Turnbull said an Australian nuclear-powered submarine fleet could only operate and be maintained with the help of US experts.
