Antinuclear

Lambie Promises Senate Inquiry into USA Relations

Lambie & Patrick AUS/US Senate Inquiry,

8 April 25 – Tasmanian Times

Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania and her South Australian Senate candidate, Rex Patrick, today announced that if returned to the Senate, they will establish a wide-ranging Senate inquiry into Australia’s relations with the United States, including the ANZUS Treaty and the AUKUS nuclear submarine scheme.

“Australia is facing global economic disruption on a scale not seen since WW2, it’s essential the Australian parliament do a top to bottom review of Australia’s relationship with the United States,” Senator Lambie said.

“For too long debate on Australia foreign and defence policy has been constrained by bureaucratic orthodoxy and the bipartisan straitjacket imposed by Labor and the Liberal National Coalition. However the international scene is now changing rapidly and radically in ways that destroy past assumptions, especially the notion that Australia can enjoy defence on the cheap while relying on the USA for protection. Those days are gone.” said former Senator Rex Patrick.

“President Trump’s tariff attack, in open violation of the Australia/ US Free Trade Agreement, calls into question the value of the ANZUS alliance, the cornerstone of Australian defence policy for more than 70 years. The AUKUS project, acknowledged by the Defence Department to be “very high risk”, now looks like a huge mistake.” said Senator Lambie

“It isn’t often a great power self-immolates through rank stupidity, but that’s the grim spectacle we’re now witnessing. Australia must be much more independent and self-reliant to successfully navigate the geopolitical turbulence that lies ahead.” Rex Patrick said.

The establishment of a Senate Select Committee inquiry into Australia’s alliance with the United States including the ANZUS alliance and the AUKUS nuclear submarine scheme will be moved in the first sitting week of the 48th Parliament. This will ensure an open and honest debate about Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade policies starting with a focus on the United States.

The recent strategic policy experts forum convened by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was a valuable beginning, but we must carry this debate forward through the next Parliament.

The terms of reference will be broad and representation on the Select Committee should span political opinion across the Senate……………………………………………………………….. https://tasmaniantimes.com/2025/04/lambie-promises-senate-inquiry-into-usa-relations/

April 10, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized