Media Release
Thursday 4 June 2026
A shout out to community from the heart of Australia
Yankunytjatjara woman Karina Lester is today calling on First Nations communities across Australia to consider getting involved in the just announced Public Inquiry into the AUKUS submarines deal.
“As a second-generation survivor of the 1953 British nuclear tests at Emu Field, I urge all our mobs who have been tested on, mined on, threatened with nuclear waste dumps or fear the impacts on our people, country and culture to find your voices and speak up strong in this public inquiry.
“But for that to happen, we need to get involved!”
The Public Inquiry into AUKUS was launched Tuesday at Parliament House in Canberra.
Karina Lester will be one of five Commissioners overseeing the public hearings and issuing a final report, alongside rock icon Peter Garrett, former defence force chief Admiral Chris Barrie, former WA Premier Carmen Lawrence, and Australia Institute co-CEO Leanne Minshull.
The Inquiry will be holding hearings across Australia over the next few months (see aukuspublicinquiry.com).
Karina Lester’s late father, Yami Lester OAM was blinded by nuclear fallout from British nuclear testing in the far northwest of South Australia. She is a lifelong advocate for Aboriginal communities affected by nuclear testing.
“I am very concerned that there are so many unanswered questions about Australia acquiring nuclear powered submarines. For starters, where is the nuclear waste that will be generated going to be stored?,” Ms. Lester said.
“Our communities across the country need to stand in solidarity and talk up strong to have our voices heard. We know better than anyone that there are serious implications to going nuclear. This public inquiry is a great opportunity to raise your concerns and some questions answered.”
“Please consider making a submission to the inquiry or giving evidence at the upcoming public hearings.”
Karina Lester is available for media comment on the Public Inquiry into AUKUS across the duration of the inquiry.
Karina Lester: 0439 291 876
Media contact: Phil Davey 0414 867 188.