Inept, weak and dangerous decision
THE Australian Prime Minister’s announcement that Australia will buy nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, reneging on the current arrangement with France, smacks of ineptitude on many counts.
Firstly, we assume our great ally the US will come to our aid in our time of need, but Australia matters so little to the US that President Biden could not recall the name of our Prime Minister. This arrangement is in the interests of the US, not Australia.
Secondly, do we really want to antagonise China? Australia’s provocative act is like a mouse baiting a bear. Who will win in any showdown? Especially as these submarines won’t be built for 20 years.
Thirdly, we are making this move at the expense of upsetting our immediate neighbours, including Indonesia and New Zealand. Indonesia has already expressed alarm.
Fourthly, what an unreliable and flighty country we must look like to France, and how many billions will we have to pay to break the deal we have with them? Is this something to do with a frightened government facing an election and trying to look strong? Catharine Errey
Lutana