Albanese, Biden, Sunak and a subs deal worth billions

The AUKUS deal is expected to significantly increase Australia’s defence capabilities - but likely comes with an enormous price tag.

Phillip Coorey and Andrew Tillett

Mar 10, 2023 – 3.55pm

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When Anthony Albanese visited Paris last July to apologise for the manner in which Scott Morrison dumped the French submarine contract, President Emmanuel Macron was still refusing to take no for an answer.

Although Labor gave in-principle support to Morrison’s AUKUS pact with the United States and the United Kingdom – which would involve Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines rather than the conventional French vessels – it made great political capital by siding with Macron and his assessment of the then-Australian prime minister as a liar.

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Phillip CooreyPolitical editorPhillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence.

Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.