The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 2 October 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Committee will examine how this agreement strengthens Australia’s defence capabilities while also enhancing interoperability with the UK. The inquiry will explore the treaty’s legally binding framework for the transfer of nuclear-powered submarine technology, personnel training, and industrial collaboration. Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, ‘This agreement represents a major step forward in Australia’s bilateral defence relationship with the United Kingdom. It builds on decades of cooperation and reflects a shared commitment to regional stability and technological advancement.’ ‘While it forms part of the broader AUKUS framework, this treaty is unique in its scope and ambition. The Committee will assess how it supports Australia’s long-term security interests and contributes to our sovereign capability through a direct partnership with the UK.’ The Committee will hear evidence from the Friends of the Earth Australia, Friends of the Earth Adelaide, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Medical Association for Prevention of War Australia, Serco Asia Pacific, the Australian Submarine Agency, the Department of Defence, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the public hearing. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025 Time: 1.30pm-5.00pm AEST Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair  Korey Fernando, Diary Manager korey.fernando@aph.gov.au (03) 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties commenced inquiry into the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom. The treaty forms a key component of the AUKUS partnership and outlines collaborative efforts to support Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 August 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has commenced an inquiry into the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The treaty, signed in Geelong on 26 July 2025, forms a key component of the AUKUS partnership and outlines collaborative efforts to support Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. The Committee invites interested individuals and organisations to make submissions addressing the treaty and its implications. Submissions are due by Tuesday, 2 September 2025, and can be lodged online via the Committee website. Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP said, ‘This inquiry is a vital opportunity for the public to engage with one of the most significant defence and strategic agreements in Australia’s recent history. We encourage stakeholders to share their views.’ Detailed guidance on preparing and submitting submissions is available on the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair Korey Fernando, Diary Manager korey.fernando@aph.gov.au 03 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.