The AUKUS nuclear submarine program has been a hot topic, with a staggering travel bill of $15.2 million over the past two years. In the grand scheme of things, this might seem like a drop in the ocean considering the colossal $368 billion nuclear boat program led by Anthony Albanese. Let’s delve into the details of this gravy plane and its implications.
The Astonishing Travel Expenses
In response to a Freedom of Information request on behalf of Senator Jacqui Lambie, the Australian Submarine Agency disclosed an eye-popping expenditure of $15.2 million in taxpayer funds on travel over the past two years. To put it into perspective, that’s roughly $633,000 per month or a jaw-dropping $21,000 per day. It’s clear that the AUKUS program’s travel expenses are far from modest.
Vice Admiral Jonathon Mead’s Expensive Travels
During this same period, Vice Admiral Jonathon Mead, the head of the AUKUS program, embarked on a series of trips to Washington DC and London. Surprisingly, these trips accumulated expenses of $197,000, with three of them costing more than $30,000 each. These high costs raise questions about the necessity and transparency of such travel expenditures.
Congressional Scrutiny
The $368 billion AUKUS program has hit a snag in the US Congress. Lawmakers are starting to ask hard questions about the impact on US national security concerning the transfer of Virginia Class submarines to Australia. This scrutiny arises at a time when the US Navy faces challenges in meeting its submarine goals and availability. Senator Lambie’s inquiries in the Australian Senate have only intensified the focus on this critical issue.
Unfulfilled Commitments
While Vice Admiral Mead asserted strong US support for transferring nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, recent developments suggest a different story. The US submarine construction and maintenance programs are grappling with cost overruns, delays, and supply chain challenges. This situation could lead to fewer submarines for the US Navy, at a time when tensions with China are escalating.
The Taiwan Question
Defence Minister Richard Males’ statement that no commitment has been made for the Royal Australian Navy to engage in a conflict over Taiwan has raised eyebrows in the US. This comment has implications for US-Australia relations and regional tensions, adding another layer of complexity to the AUKUS program.
Continuing Expenditures
While these debates unfold, the AUKUS-related flights persist, accruing benefits such as Qantas (Gold, Platinum, Platinum One) status credits. The ongoing financial commitments, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the program, prompt us to question the value and long-term viability of the AUKUS initiative.
The High-Stakes Game
The AUKUS program presents an interesting dynamic where senior officers and officials are seemingly benefitting from the arrangement. Their involvement in building the AUKUS alliance offers career and institutional opportunities, involving important decisions, overseas trips, and exchange postings. For some, it’s a ticket to the big league of international diplomacy.
The Uncertain Future
As Vice Admiral Mead’s retirement looms, taxpayers may wonder what they have paid for and whether this program will materialize as planned. Many knowledgeable observers are growing skeptical about the viability of this poorly thought-out program, leaving us with questions about the true nature of this bureaucratic gravy boat.
In conclusion, the AUKUS program’s travel expenses and congressional scrutiny shed light on the complexities and challenges of this high-stakes initiative. As the debate continues, taxpayers and policymakers alike are left to ponder the program’s true value and its implications for national security and international relations.