Minister Pat Conroy’s comments about AUKUS spark confusion, send US defence officials scrambling for answers
Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy caused confusion by suggesting the AUKUS submarine rotation in Western Australia would end in 2032. US officials are seeking urgent clarification, as the comments contradict expectations of a longer-term strategic presence.
Why it matters
The incident highlights potential diplomatic friction and communication gaps within the high-stakes AUKUS security partnership.
American officials have sought urgent assurances from the Albanese Government over the planned rotation of US nuclear-powered submarines out of Western Australia after a senior minister suggested the arrangement would be limited to five years. During an interview from Washington, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the AUKUS program known as Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), and is scheduled to begin next year, would end in 2032. “This is a time-limited rotation,” Mr Conroy told the ABC on Wednesday evening, in comments which The Nightly has been told sparked a flurry of conversations between US and Australian defence officials. “It’s a five-year commitment beginning in 2027...
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