Australia Always Preferred Used Submarines, Defence Secretary Claims
Australia’s preference was consistently to acquire secondhand nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus agreement, defence officials disclosed, leading the Coalition to question whether the initial arrangement was "imposed" on the Albanese government.
Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn was questioned at Senate estimates on Tuesday evening regarding Australia's decision to purchase three used Virginia-class submarines from the US, instead of a mix of new and used vessels.
Under interrogation from Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson, Quinn stated it was a "joint idea" between Australia and the US to revise the deal.
When asked which country first proposed the alternative plan, Quinn responded:
"Australia’s position is that we would have always … had a preference for three in-service (submarines)."
Paterson, surprised, inquired why the Albanese government accepted the original deal if it was not its preference.
"They imposed a new submarine on us and said you must take a new submarine even if you want three in-service?"
Quinn explained:
"This is a joint exercise over many decades, working collaboratively with an alliance partner to deliver a capability which is significant and is very important for Australia’s national defence. So there are many reasons why three in-service (submarines) would be simpler, lower-cost through the training of staff, the sustainment arrangements, the maintenance requirements, and all of those considerations."
Chaney Calls for AI Regulation, Circuit-Breaker in Copyright Fight
Independent MP Kate Chaney has released a discussion paper advocating for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence and a resolution mechanism in the ongoing dispute between AI companies and creators over training AI on copyrighted material.
Chaney surveyed constituents in the Curtin electorate and reportedly consulted multiple stakeholders in developing the proposals.
The paper states the federal government has enacted "very little actual policy" on AI, and the growing public backlash stems from concerns that the new industry will steal jobs, amplify online deepfakes and scams, violate privacy, and consume energy, land, and resources—all for the profit of international AI companies.
Among her proposals, Chaney suggests incorporating AI into new digital duty of care legislation planned for social media platforms, extending the under-16 social media ban to AI chatbots, strengthening privacy laws, increasing resources for AI institutes, and taxing international tech and AI companies.
Chaney also describes the current deadlock on copyright as a "lose-lose" situation, with creators unrewarded and AI companies hesitant to train AI locally due to legal risks.
Her paper proposes that the government could facilitate and accelerate licensing agreement negotiations between AI companies and rights holders.
Government Open to ‘Elevation of Relationship’ with Solomon Islands
Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed the push for a new treaty with the Solomon Islands from the ABC AM studio, adopting a diplomatic stance.
New Prime Minister Matthew Wale replaced former PM Manasseh Sogavare, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote earlier this month. The leadership contest was widely viewed as a choice between maintaining close ties with China or rebalancing relations toward Australia and Western allies.
Wong stated the government will be "led by the priorities that [Wale] articulates as Prime Minister," while highlighting agreements Australia has made with other regional neighbours.
"You’ve seen us through this term and the last term engage in building trust with Pacific nations and developing transformative relationships and agreements with him, such as the Papua New Guinea Alliance … So, yes, of course, we are open to the elevation of the relationship and will be led by his priorities.
It’s in our interest to have secure arrangements throughout our region that contributes to Australian security."
When asked if the government would be disappointed if no treaty agreement is reached, Wong responded, "I don’t like hypotheticals."
"We welcome him. We want to work with him. It’s a new government, it has a very clear agenda, and we want to work with that government to deliver that agenda."
Trump’s Call Opposing Planned Israeli Attack on Beirut ‘Significant’: Wong
Penny Wong declined to comment directly on President Donald Trump’s reportedly candid call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but noted that Trump’s opposition to plans to bombard or attack Beirut was "significant and important."
Wong said the Australian government has clearly opposed attacks on Lebanon and has communicated these concerns to Israel.
She added that the ceasefire should have included Lebanon from the outset.
"I’m not going to comment on what President Trump said, other than to say it was significant and important that the US made clear its opposition to Mr. Netanyahu’s plans to bombard or to attack Beirut. We oppose Israel’s escalation in Lebanon. We’ve made our views about Prime Minister Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s agenda quite clear. You saw that prior to the last election, and he had some things to say about us. We have a clear view about in this circumstance about the escalation, which we do not support."
Regarding new sanctions on Israeli entities and individuals over West Bank settlements announced recently, Wong stated that Israeli settlements are "an obstacle to peace and inconsistent with progress towards a two-state solution."
‘Individuals Will Have Their Views’, Wong Brushes Off Husic’s Aukus Call
Foreign Minister Penny Wong dismissed concerns from Labor MP Ed Husic, who called for a reconsideration of the Aukus pact, affirming the government’s belief that the deal with the US and UK remains the best course.
Wong, appearing on the ABC’s News Breakfast, noted that former Coalition governments repeatedly changed submarine plans, resulting in a capability gap in Australia’s defence force.
"I understand individuals will have their views, but obviously I speak as a member of the cabinet and the government, and we believe it is in the best interests of our country for this project to continue to proceed … We believe chopping and changing will only set the country back."
When questioned about growing criticism within Labor ranks, including from former MP Peter Garrett, Wong said Labor is the "only political party that has an open debate in front of the media."
Good Morning
Good morning, Krishani Dhanji here for another busy sitting day—thanks to Martin Farrer for the start.
Debate on the government’s bill to change capital gains tax and the tax offset will continue today, with the opposition calling for the bill to be split. Estimates will also be closely watched, with Defence and the submarine agency scheduled to appear before senators this morning.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will attend parliament today for talks with Anthony Albanese. Reports indicate Albanese will use the opportunity to begin discussions on a treaty agreement and revive a policing deal.
There is much happening, so let’s get started.
University Changed Wi-Fi Terms to Monitor for ‘Breaches of Policies’, Report Finds
The University of Melbourne (UoM) altered its Wi-Fi terms of use to permit monitoring by the university to detect "suspected unlawful behaviour" or "breaches of university policies," according to a new report on campus free speech.
The final report, released Wednesday, resulted from a people's inquiry into campus free speech on Palestine, initiated in 2025 by students and academics with Greens support. It included 150 written submissions and three public hearings.
An investigation found UoM breached Victoria’s Privacy and Data Protection Act by surveilling students and staff during a pro-Palestine protest using its Wi-Fi network. The university quietly introduced new terms of use in January, despite the state’s deputy information commissioner describing the surveillance as a "breach of trust."
A UoM spokesperson said the university has a "responsibility to foster a secure and respectful environment, while upholding compliance with our policies."
"The wireless terms of use were revised after community feedback and reissued in January 2026 and now include more information on how wireless network data may be used."
The report found widespread restrictions on free speech and academic freedom since pro-Palestine encampments were established in 2024, including disciplinary actions, protest crackdowns, and surveillance.
Greens Deputy Leader and inquiry patron Senator Mehreen Faruqi described the findings as "chilling."
"The harsh measures to silence dissent are quite reprehensible when universities should be upholding academic freedom and free speech."
Bart Shteinman, Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, which participated in the inquiry, said universities are facing a "rightwing culture war."
Australian Troops Will Be Sent to Poland to Train with Ukrainians
Australian troops will be deployed to Poland in the coming weeks to train Ukrainian soldiers, marking the latest effort to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion.
Since January 2023, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have been based in the UK, training Ukrainian soldiers in basic infantry tactics, leadership, and military skills.
In the coming weeks, ADF personnel will relocate to Poland as part of a Norwegian-led operation, positioning Australian troops closer to the conflict zone.
Defence Minister Richard Marles announced:
"Australia is continuing to adapt our contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remains practical, relevant, and aligned with their most urgent needs."
ADF personnel have trained more than 3,650 Ukrainians in the UK under Operation Kudu.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Australian government has provided over $1.7 billion in support for Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military assistance.
Good Morning and Welcome
Welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, and Krishani Dhanji will guide you through the day.
Australia’s preference for secondhand nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus deal was confirmed by the defence secretary at Senate estimates last night. More details will follow.
Additionally, Australia will send ADF troops to Poland to assist in training Ukrainian fighters. Further information will be provided shortly.
