In this discussion, Peter Malinauskas, the Premier of South Australia since March 2022, dives into the AUKUS deal's profound impacts on his state. He emphasizes the massive potential for job creation, estimating 20,000 new roles from the program. The conversation also tackles the complex challenges of nuclear waste management, economic viability of civil nuclear power, and the crucial need for skilled labor. Malinauskas advocates for cohesive national leadership to harness AUKUS’s benefits while ensuring community support and strategic security.
The AUKUS initiative aims to create 20,000 jobs in Australia, emphasizing the need for skill development across various educational levels.
Premier Malinauskas highlights the importance of balancing national defense with responsible management of nuclear waste through community engagement.
Deep dives
Workforce Opportunities and Economic Impact
The AUKUS initiative presents a significant opportunity to create up to 20,000 jobs in Australia over the next 30 years, primarily in South Australia and Western Australia. The Premier of South Australia highlighted the importance of cultivating a skilled workforce to support this massive undertaking, emphasizing the need for training and skill development at all educational levels, from technical colleges to universities. This project not only aims to bolster the national defense framework but also seeks to enhance the economic complexity of the country. By creating high-quality manufacturing jobs in the naval shipbuilding sector, AUKUS can contribute to raising average incomes and improving the overall standard of living for generations.
National Sovereignty and Security
The core rationale of AUKUS is centered on Australia's sovereignty and security, asserting the necessity for the nation to develop its defense capabilities, particularly through the manufacture of nuclear submarines. This program is seen as crucial in responding to the changing geopolitical landscape, especially given the rising influence of China in the region. The Premier articulated that the credibility of Australia as a middle power hinges upon its capacity to assert self-defense, which requires a robust and independent submarine capability. He contended that the failure to proceed with domestic submarine production would risk compromising the nation’s ability to defend itself effectively.
Navigating Challenges of Nuclear Responsibility
A significant concern surrounding the AUKUS deal is the management of nuclear waste resulting from the submarines, which has elicited apprehension among communities. The Premier suggested that the storage of nuclear waste should be based on scientific safety criteria and conducted in partnership with traditional owners, highlighting the importance of transparency and community engagement in addressing this sensitive issue. He acknowledged that while there is opposition towards housing nuclear waste in certain regions, responsible management and rigorous safety protocols must guide decision-making. This aspect of the AUKUS project underscores the need to balance national security with environmental and social responsibilities.
There are two states that have the most to gain, and the most to lose, when it comes to AUKUS: South Australia and Western Australia. In the final episode of AUKUS Investigated Hamish and Geraldine speak to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas about why he thinks the rest of the country needs to come to the AUKUS party.