Politics

Citizen-funded inquiry calls AUKUS deal 'worst, riskiest and most costly'

The AUKUS Public Inquiry released its report. It is not a parliamentary inquiry.

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A citizen-funded inquiry has called the AUKUS submarine deal the "worst, riskiest and most costly" defence decision, The Guardian Australia reported. AUKUS is a deal between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS). Under it, Australia plans to get nuclear-powered submarines. The AUKUS Public Inquiry was paid for by public donations. It is not a parliamentary inquiry. The Point reported that the report said AUKUS should be scrapped. The Point also reported Peter Garrett's estimate that the cost could reach half a trillion dollars. The Newcastle Herald reported that the report made 17 recommendations, including a call for a royal commission. A spokesperson for Defence Minister Richard Marles responded to the report, the Guardian said. The report has no power to change the deal. It is not yet known whether the government will act on any of its recommendations.