Thousands rally in Australia against potential AUKUS submarine base

by Staff Writer 06-05-2023 | 2:40 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Thousands of people rallied on Saturday (May 6) against a future nuclear-powered submarine base at Port Kembla in eastern Australia.

The establishment of the base was proposed as part of the A$368 Billion (US$244.1 billion) AUKUS defence pact with the United States and Britain.

The second-largest coal export port in New South Wales state is the Defence Department’s preferred site for a new east-coast submarine base, according to state broadcaster ABC.

Protesters carrying trade union banners and flags marched down the main street to voice their opposition to a base in the town of around 5,000 people, 102km south of Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the submarine project after two former leaders criticised the deal over its cost, complexity and potential sovereignty issues.

The deal unveiled in March will see Australia purchase US Virginia-class submarines before joint British and Australian production of a new submarine class to be built in Australia by the early 2040s.