Angus Taylor suggests Labor ‘fickle’ on AUKUS

The opposition’s defence spokesman has defended his side from US criticism, but left Labor out to dry.

Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor says it is wrong to call the Coalition “fickle” on AUKUS, but that he cannot say the same about Labor.

Mr Taylor was asked on Wednesday to respond to comments made by Jerry Hendrix – the man heading a US ship building blitz in line with Donald Trump’s mission to “restore America’s maritime dominance”.

Mr Hendrix, a retired US Navy captain, has been vocal in his concerns about Australia’s commitment to AUKUS, saying last year “the Australians have been noticeably fickle”, as reported overnight by the Sydney Morning Herald.

In a separate criticism, he said the “challenge for AUKUS” is two-fold.

“First there will be a question of whether the Australian government will sustain their commitment across the coming years and change of (governments),” Mr Hendrix posted on social media.

“Second will be whether the US will actually be willing to give up Virginia class boats.”

The challenge for AUKUS will come from 2 centers. First there will be a question of whether the Australian government will sustain their commitment across the coming years and change of govts. Second will be whether the US will actually be willing to give up Virginia class boats.

— Jerry Hendrix (@JerryHendrixII) April 3, 2024

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Taylor said the “opposition’s position on AUKUS is not fickle at all”.

“It is complete and utter commitment to what is an incredibly important initiative, both tranche one and tranche two – the nuclear submarines as well as the associated technology,” he said.

Pressed on the criticism, he repeated his defence but suggested it was a fair shot at the Albanese government.

“The opposition’s not fickle, that’s for sure,” he said.

“I worry that the government – I think it’s not just me worried, I think every expert looking at this is making these comments – they’re deeply worried that we’re not on our way to having the defence force we need in such an uncertain time.

“We’ve got authoritarian regimes around the world flexing their muscles.”

Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor has suggested Labor is ‘fickle’ on AUKUS. Picture: Martin Ollman / NewsWire

Mr Taylor was also asked about the Netherlands’ defence chief warning Australia should lift its military spending in response to the build up in China.

General Onno Eichelsheim was in Australia for Talisman Sabre – annual war games hosted by the Australian Defence Force.

He said the country should “get ready for something that you hope will never happen”, drawing parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

“You should look at the facts that are around you … if Russia tells us that they want to have more, more influence, then take that seriously,” General Eichelsheim told the ABC.

“And if you see in this case in this region, China building up, take it seriously and get ready for something that you hope will never happen.

“If you prepare for war, you can avoid war. And that’s how we look at it.”

The Trump administration is calling on Australia to boost defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP

However, he said percentage of GDP was not the most important measure.

Responding to the remarks, Mr Taylor said Australia “definitely” needed to boost defence spending.

“We need to spend that money better,” he said.

“And (the Coalition has) made a commitment already to get to 3 per cent at least and that is exactly what the government should be doing.”

Labor has committed billions in extra defence funding over the next decade, which will push it to about 2.3 per cent of GDP by 2034.

But Anthony Albanese and his government have firmly rejected the US’ call to boost it to 3.5 per cent, adding to friction with Washington.

Originally published as Angus Taylor suggests Labor ‘fickle’ on AUKUS