https://johnmenadue.com/we-cant-unscramble-the-aukus-and-anzus-eggs/

IPAN shares the growing concerns of many Australians that the US alliance, manifested by the 5 Eyes treaty ANZUS, AUKUS and the Force Posture Agreement, threatens our security. Read more on the IPAN website www.ipan.org.au

Old allies are now judging the US for its reliability and trustworthiness. And not only as a military partner or as an arms depot. But as a nation which might plant kill-switches into its equipment, or refuse, despite promises to resupply or maintain what has been sold. Likewise, one which might abrogate contracts if it suited its economic interests. Some NATO partners, including Canada, have cancelled orders for American aircraft to explore options for a Euro-fighter, whose powers they can control, particularly when they are most necessary. The experience of supplying arms to Ukraine has demonstrated that much expensive American equipment is now obsolete because of drones.

An Albanese or a Dutton must necessarily ask himself about what American action means to the future of AUKUS. Is it a conversation only for his mates, or with taxpayers? Should Australia simply repudiate the deal? Americans at the highest levels have expressed doubts about whether the US can deliver on its commitments. The US (and Britain) have the power to walk away. Strictly, the right of Australia is much more restricted, and might well involve damages – as when Scott Morrison abrogated the French subs deal. Given the forward commitments of hundreds of billions of dollars, walking away now might be cheap at any price, and allow Australia to re-imagine a completely different defence posture not locked into the US system.

That might involve an inquest into how the Australian Government secured national interests in signing the contracts. It simply cannot be said that the possibility of a Trump or an American repudiation was not a contingency for which Australia should have prepared.