Media Release
Australia wants a Public Inquiry into AUKUS!
Friday 5 June 2026
The newly launched Public Inquiry into AUKUS have been overwhelmed by the public support from the Australian community since the initiative was announced at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday.
Since Tuesday, over $85,000 has been raised through crowdfunding and other private donations to finance the Inquiry’s hearings. Over 100 written submissions have already been received.
Commenting on the public response, Inquiry Secretariat Co-Chair Major General (Retired) Mike Smith said today that the Inquiry launch announcement had clearly hit a nerve.
"To raise these sums of money and receive so many submissions in the first 72 hours since launching tells us that there is widespread community concern about this $368b submarine deal.
“it’s clear Australians really want a Public Inquiry into this project, to consider if AUKUS will keep us safe and at what cost.
“We have also been encouraged with the requests to give evidence from defence experts, former ministers, academics and ordinary Australians.
"The Australian public deserves a say and deserves answers to the many legitimate questions."
The Public Inquiry hearings kick off next Thursday in Melbourne, with high profile Australians expected to give evidence.
Further public hearings are currently scheduled for Freemantle (June 30), Adelaide (16/17 July), Sydney (August 11), Port Kembla (August 12) and Canberra (September 1/2). It is hoped that other hearing dates in other cities will also be possible.
Mike Smith is available for media comment, please call Phil Davey 0414 867 188.
