The media frenzy over Australia getting “second-hand submarines” from the US shows successive governments haven’t done enough to sell the deal.

Former cabinet minister Ed Husic said there was a “general disquiet” within the Labor movement about AUKUS as he called for a rethink of the pact.

Former frontbencher launches most significant internal criticism of $368bn Aukus deal since ALP national conference in 2023

Australia was to receive a mix of new and used submarines. Now, it will only get used ones.

The former prime minister also dismissed recent criticism of the nuclear-powered submarine project as coming from predictable quarters.

Now is not the time to abandon our greatest advantage – our long-standing trusted partnerships with militarily advanced allies

The Defence Department boss, navy chief and senior ministers said it was always Australia’s preference to acquire second-hand submarines from the US.

The media frenzy over Australia getting “second-hand submarines” from the US shows successive governments haven’t done enough to sell the deal.