Public support for the Aukus [including Virginia] nuclear submarine acquisition [has] declined, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.
The poll of 1,124 voters, released on [March 21, 2023], suggests Australians are at odds with the Aukus deal, with just one in five voters labelling China a “threat to be confronted” and only one quarter happy to pay the price tag of up to $368bn to acquire nuclear submarines.
...In the poll, 40% of respondents said the [AUKUS including Virginia] submarine partnership would make Australia more secure, down four points since November [2022]. Those who said the nation would be less secure rose four points to 21%, while 39% said it would not affect security.
The plan will cost between [AU]$268bn and [AU]$368bn, or 0.15% of [Australian] GDP a year on average over 50 years.
Respondents were split on the cost, with 26% saying Australia needed nuclear submarines and “it’s worth paying that amount to get them”, while 27% said they were necessary but “not worth” the price tag, 28% said Australia does not need them and 19% were unsure.
The defence minister, Richard Marles, on [March 19, 2023] said China’s rapid military buildup “shapes the strategic landscape in which we live”, telling the ABC’s Insiders that the Aukus submarines would back up Australia’s interest in protecting trade and freedom of navigation and flight in the South China Sea.
Two-thirds (67%) of respondents in the poll said Australia’s relationship with China was a “complex relationship to be managed”, up seven points since February.
The proportion who described China as a “threat to be confronted” fell by six points to 20%, while a steady 13% said the relationship was a “positive opportunity to be realised”."
PETE COMMENT
Despite the AUKUS submarine issues and costs unpopularity with the Australian public the ruling Albanese Labor Government feels forced to support the AUKUS subs policy to "prove" that it is "responsible" on National Security issues.
The Opposition Coalition is always quick to say Labor are "weak" (seemingly socialist wet) on national security and even pro-China. With the help of conservative AUKUS policies Labor hopes to be in a good position for re-election in 2025. Note 2025 is 8 whole years until Australia's first expected Virginia purchase (Trump permitting).
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