ALERT: Melbourne hosts first hearing of the Public Inquiry into AUKUS today
11 June 2026; The first of the nationwide hearings into the AUKUS submarine project will be conducted today in Melbourne’s Victoria Trades Hall. Peter Garrett will lead the hearings accompanied by Chris Barrie, Leanne Minshull and Karina Lester, with Dr. Carmen Lawrence joining via zoom.
The Inquiry will be hearing from Nobel Peace Prize winners, academics, historians and concerned individuals. The first person to speak will be Gareth Evans, former Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group from 2000-09, and Chancellor of the Australian National University from 2010-19, where he is now Distinguished Honorary Professor.
WHAT: The first hearing of the Public Inquiry into AUKUS
WHERE: Victoria Trades Hall, 54 Victoria Street, Carlton
WHEN: Thursday 11th June, 10am to 6pm.
WHY: There has never been a more critical time to interrogate the $368 billion deal that is known as AUKUS. This nation-wide inquiry will seek answers to critical questions, and equally importantly, find other options and potentially an off-ramp. The Terms of Reference can be found here and the website here
WHO: Peter Garrett, Chris Barrie, Karina Lester, Leanne Minshull and Carmen Lawrence.
The five AUKUS Public Inquiry Commissioners will be available for media interview today and over the life of the Inquiry.
Inquiry Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/b3x5qTfTzMA
AUKUS Public Inquiry media contacts:
Phil Davey 0414 867 188, [email protected]
Julie Macken 0400 925 217
