Albanese government pledges extra $4.6billion for AUKUS shipyard – but critics warn it will make Australia a nuclear target
Australia’s Albanese government has pledged an additional $4.6 billion for the AUKUS submarine shipyard at Osborne in Adelaide. The investment is intended to support Australia’s role in the security pact with the UK and US, but critics argue that hosting nuclear-powered submarine infrastructure could increase the country’s strategic risk.
The funding forms part of the wider AUKUS programme to build and maintain nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. Supporters say the project will strengthen defence capabilities and industrial capacity, while opponents warn it could make Australia a more prominent target in a potential conflict, particularly involving China.
- Australia will provide another $4.6 billion for its AUKUS shipyard.
- The money supports nuclear-powered submarine capability in Adelaide.
- Critics say the project could raise Australia’s security risks.