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Anthony Albanese’s help for nuclear-powered submarines below the AUKUS settlement is Labor’s worst determination in authorities for a century, former prime minister Paul Keating says.
Mr Keating, a long-time critic of Australia’s overseas coverage sacred cows, together with the American alliance underpinning nationwide safety, delivered his brutal evaluation of the present PM at a Nationwide Press Membership occasion in Canberra on Wednesday.
The AUKUS deal is a mistake, and Labor’s worst in energy since wartime PM Billy Hughes sought to introduce conscription, Mr Keating stated in an announcement circulated earlier than his look.
What’s extra, it broke the celebration’s overseas coverage profitable streak, he stated.
“Each Labor Get together department member will wince after they notice that the celebration all of us struggle for is returning to our former colonial grasp, Britain, to search out our safety in Asia,” he stated.
Mr Albanese joined his US and British counterparts in San Diego on Tuesday announced a $368-billion plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.
“We’ve got been right here earlier than: Australia’s worldwide pursuits have been subsumed by these of our allies,” Mr Keating stated.
“Defence coverage substituting for overseas coverage. However this time it’s a Labor authorities lining us up
“Anthony Albanese’s authorities has picked up and has taken possession of the strategic structure of the Morrison authorities – however taken it up in full and with unprecedented gusto.”
Mr Keating stated Mr Albanese had not pursued an opportunity to debate overseas coverage points with him earlier this yr.
Mr Keating has beforehand mocked the notion that nuclear submarines would deter China as similar to throwing “toothpicks at a mountain”.
