SPECIAL | Why it’s time for a public inquiry into AUKUS

featuring Leanne Minshull and Emma Shortis
Musician and former Labor Minister Peter Garrett at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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On this special episode, we’re joined by two commissioners from the new community-led, independent inquiry into the AUKUS security deal.

This episode was recorded live on Thursday 4 June.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara Anangu woman and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Australia Ambassador

Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @angusrb

Show notes:

An independent public inquiry into the AUKUS security partnership

ICAN Australia

Polling – Australia, the US and Iran War, the Australia Institute (May 2026)

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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