AUKUS goes off 'like a frog in a sock'

AUKUS goes off 'like a frog in a sock'

From Politics Now by ABC Australia

June 1, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the AUKUS defense deal and the political dynamics surrounding it, including the swearing-in of David Farley from One Nation.

Peter Garrett has been burning the Midnight Oil over AUKUS - and he’s not the only one turning up the heat. The former Labor minister is leading an independent inquiry into the $368 billion defence deal, after confirmation Australia will now receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States. The Opposition is also taking a swing, warning the revised arrangement could leave Australia with older submarines, shorter operating lives, and a future capability gap. So is this just another round of AUKUS anxiety - or a real problem for the government? Plus, a big moment for One Nation as David Farley is sworn in as the new member for Farrer, and early signs he may take a different tone from Pauline Hanson. And how will Labor, the Liberals, and One Nation position themselves on a rise to the minimum wage? Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Hosts: Patricia Karvelas, Raf Epstein

Guest: David Farley

Topics covered

  • AUKUS
  • defense deal
  • political inquiry
  • minimum wage
  • One Nation
  • submarine acquisition

Keywords

  • AUKUS
  • Peter Garrett
  • Virginia-class submarines
  • defense
  • minimum wage
  • politics
  • One Nation
  • David Farley

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Labor, One Nation, Liberals

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