Why Labor won't sink AUKUS

Why Labor won't sink AUKUS

From Politics Now by ABC Australia

June 3, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Labor Party's stance on AUKUS amidst rising tensions and economic considerations.

There are choppy waters ahead for AUKUS, as a push for a "rethink" gains some traction within Labor ranks. Albanese Government frontbenchers have come out in force to defend the policy, but PK and David Speers agree despite the backlash there's "no chance" Labor will walk away from AUKUS. It comes as Australia and the Solomon Islands agree to begin negotiations on a comprehensive strategic agreement. It's a coup for the Albanese Government as they look to counter the rising presence of China in the region. Meanwhile, new GDP figures have landed with Treasurer Jim Chalmers labelling them "solid in the circumstances", but is it just the AI data centre boom keeping us afloat? Patricia Karvelas and David Speers 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, David Speers

Topics covered

  • AUKUS
  • Labor Party
  • Australia-China relations
  • economic policy
  • strategic agreements

Keywords

  • AUKUS
  • Labor
  • Albanese Government
  • China
  • GDP
  • strategic agreement
  • Solomon Islands

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Labor, AUKUS, Albanese Government

Places: Australia, Solomon Islands, China

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