SUBMISSION to AUKUS Public Inquiry – Tim Frodsham

2 On behalf of IPAN https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jOCTebJCd7h27Sdbbx4yqW611rOWByJK/view

Loss of Sovereignty: IPAN argues that AUKUS embeds Australia further into the US
and UK military-industrial complex. It risks binding Australia automatically to US
military actions and limits sovereign decision-making.

Nuclear Proliferation & Waste: The network highlights the severe risks of
transporting, storing, and managing radioactive waste in Australia. It also raises
alarm over the use of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium, undermining global
non-proliferation efforts. Extreme Financial Cost: IPAN criticizes the massive
expenditure—projected at over ($368) billion—and the early billions handed over
to US and UK shipyards. They argue this diverts critical funds away from urgent
domestic needs like healthcare, education, and climate action.

Regional Escalation: IPAN contends that AUKUS provokes unnecessary tension in
the Indo-Pacific region and increases the risk of Australia being drawn into a
catastrophic conflict against China.