Peter Garrett Names Port Kembla Preferred Nuclear Base
The former minister identifies the site as a top choice for Australia's future nuclear submarine programme.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nuclear
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Peter Garrett has identified Port Kembla as the preferred site for a nuclear submarine base in Australia. This announcement comes as an independent inquiry prepares to release its final findings on the AUKUS initiative.
Why it matters
The inquiry was established to improve public transparency, as critics argue the Australian government has failed to provide sufficient information regarding the AUKUS plan. It serves as a platform for diverse voices to weigh in on the strategic and local implications of hosting nuclear infrastructure.
The independent inquiry received over 1,000 submissions from the public regarding the AUKUS plan. The panel analysed site feasibility by comparing water depth characteristics and port traffic across various potential locations.
The players
Peter Garrett
He is a former Australian government minister and public figure who has identified Port Kembla as the preferred location for the nuclear submarine base.
Malcolm Turnbull
He is a former Prime Minister of Australia who testified against the AUKUS nuclear submarine plan.
Christopher Pyne
He is a former Australian Defence Minister who testified in favour of the AUKUS submarine programme.
Alison Byrnes
She is the Member for Cunningham who provided a formal statement to the inquiry regarding the local impact of the proposed base.
AUKUS
This is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States that includes the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
The details
The inquiry process featured testimony from various political figures, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and former Foreign Ministers Gareth Evans and Bob Carr, who all voiced opposition to the AUKUS plan. Conversely, former Defence Minister Christopher Pyne provided testimony in support of the proposal, while Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes submitted a formal statement.
Timeline
29 October 2026: Peter Garrett makes his comments to the Mercury regarding the site.
4 November 2026: The final inquiry report will be delivered at the National Press Club.
2030s: The Australian government is expected to make a final decision on the base location.
The Big Picture
This inquiry marks a significant effort to scrutinise the implementation of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership following widespread criticism over transparency. By evaluating potential host sites, the process attempts to address the long-term strategic and environmental questions posed by the pact.
Residents in identified potential host cities face long-term uncertainty as the government is not expected to finalise the base location until the 2030s. The inquiry process provides the primary opportunity for local communities to review information that the government has not yet disclosed.
The takeaway
The selection of Port Kembla as a preferred site highlights the intense local and national debate surrounding the AUKUS plan. Readers should stay informed by reviewing the final inquiry report, which may offer new insights into the project's long-term feasibility.
What happens next
The independent inquiry will release its final report at the National Press Club on 4 November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing assessment of the submarine programme, visit the Nuclear section.
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