Australian PoliticsAustralian PoliticsThe Guardian

The case for Aukus, with defence industry minister Pat Conroy

27 min

The Albanese government’s announcement that Australia will now receive three used US Virginia class submarines, rather than two used and one new, has put the glare back on the Aukus commitment. Defence industry minister Pat Conroy speaks to Tom McIlroy about the critics of the $368bn agreement

The Albanese government’s announcement that Australia will now receive three used US Virginia-class submarines, rather than two used and one new, has put the spotlight back on the Aukus commitment. One of the strongest advocates for the $368bn agreement is defence industry minister Pat Conroy and he hits back at its critics – including the Labor MP Ed Husic. Speaking with political editor Tom McIlroy, the minister for Pacific Island affairs also discusses this week’s visit by new Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale and responds to speculation that Tony Abbott could run as the Liberal candidate in Conroy’s seat of Shortland at the next election