Introduction

In September this year, the Australian Government announced it would join a new security pact with the UK and US – AUKUS – and detailed its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In this special episode, Michael Shoebridge speaks to Andrew Nicholls and Dr Marcus Hellyer about their new report ‘Implementing Australia’s nuclear submarine program’. They consider the costs and challenges of delivering this large-scale project and choosing the right strategic partner to help deliver the submarine program. This is the final episode of Policy, Guns and Money for 2021! We welcome your feedback and suggestions of topics you’d like to see us cover in 2022. Drop us a note at https://www.aspi.org.au/contact-us Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Andrew Nicholls: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-nicholls Background music: "Anons" by Ketsa, via the freemusicarchive.org Image: via pxhere.com