Public Inquiry into AUKUS Canberra hearings start today - Peter Garrett and Commissioners doorstop at 9:45AM

Public Inquiry into AUKUS

MEDIA ALERT

Wednesday 2 September 2026 

Public Inquiry into AUKUS Canberra hearings start today

Peter Garrett and Commissioners doorstop at 9:45AM

Australia’s foremost submarine expert Admiral (Retd) Peter Briggs will join academic experts, federal political leaders, prominent national organisations and former Defence Minister and US Ambassador Kim Beazley in giving testimony to the crowdfunded, independent Public Inquiry into AUKUS in Canberra.

Demand to speak at the Canberra hearings has been so strong that two days of hearings have been scheduled.  Inquiry lead Commissioner Peter Garrett said today that Canberra locals will also have the opportunity to put their point of view on the AUKUS deal, in addition to the many subject matter experts and eminent Australians scheduled to speak.

“AUKUS is the most expensive Defence acquisition ever which will impact generations to come, and yet the commitment to spend nearly $400 billion on eight nuclear powered submarines has failed to receive any serious parliamentary scrutiny.” 

The Public Inquiry into AUKUS is taking submissions and holding public hearings in most capital cities. To date over 700 written submissions have been received, with highly successful hearings taking place in Melbourne, Fremantle, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Brisbane.  

WHAT: The Canberra hearings of the Public Inquiry into AUKUS.  Full line-up over the two days here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11HiSl0_EYpDnL8l0he1LVv3puDiknS_h/view

WHERE: Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall St Barton

WHEN: Wednesday September 2 and Thursday September 3, 10am-5pm

NOTE: Doorstop with Peter Garrett and AUKUS Commissioners 9:45am today

WHY: There has never been a more critical time to interrogate the $368 billion AUKUS pact. This nation-wide inquiry is seeking to answer the question ‘Will AUKUS keep us safe, and at what cost?’.  The Terms of Reference can be found here and the website here

Livestream of proceeding here:  https://www.youtube.com/@PublicInquiryintoAUKUS

AUKUS Public Inquiry media contacts:  Phil Davey 0414 867 188 ([email protected]) or Julie Macken 0400 925 217