Politics Now Will Anika Wells keep her job?
Dec 9, 2025
Political tensions rise as the AUKUS partnership faces scrutiny amid U.S. ministerial talks. Concerns about submarine supply and integration are front and center. Meanwhile, Anika Wells grapples with a burgeoning entitlements scandal, stirring debate over public perception and potential reforms. The hosts explore how internal leaks and media coverage amplify the crisis, while the Labor response remains cautious. The social media safety policy rollout is further complicated by the controversy, hinting at a turbulent political summer ahead.
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AUKUS Progress Masks Fundamental Questions
- AUKUS is being portrayed as "full steam ahead" but key questions about submarine ownership and production capacity remain unresolved.
- Greater integration may mean more US/British assets based in Australia rather than domestically built submarines.
Submarine Supply Limits Matter
- The US faces production limits building Virginia-class and larger submarines, which complicates promises of handing subs to Australia.
- That scarcity raises doubts about whether Australia will get domestically crewed and maintained submarines or temporarily hosted US vessels.
Whispering In Washington Parlor Games
- Raf Epstein joked that Scott Morrison and Richard Marles' private chats may have influenced the AUKUS review narrative.
- He framed Washington parlor games about who whispers to US decision-makers as commonplace in diplomacy.