‘We were honest’: Government defends French sub snub

On Thursday, Australia announced it would sign a new security pact, known as AUKUS, with the UK and US. The deal means Canberra would turn its back on a $90 billion contract with France’s Naval Group in order to acquire eight nuclear submarines.

“We can understand of course, the French are upset at the cancellation of a contract but in the end, our job is to act in our national interest,” Mr Dutton told Sky News on Sunday morning. “We’ve been open about our concerns and we’ve been open about the fact we need to act in our national interest … given the changing circumstances in the Indo-Pacific.”

However, just an hour later on Insiders, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham indicated that may not be the case. Instead, Australia would likely remain reliant on other “joint operations” with other nations.

I believe nothing this individual says. Not one word.

Next we’ll be dumping French Fries & French Bulldogs. Where will this madness end you Bastards?

richardmelb05 Peter is just preparing for his career post-politics....lotta money in the machinery of death

this is aUStralia remember.

Something lacking in Australia's diplomacy if the French didn't get the message or was it too obtuse or non existent?

The writing was on the wall when the French insisted the first off the line was to be called Maginot😎

I believe the French over this proven pack of liars.

PD= old adage…….. couldn’t lie straight in bed!

oops...mum always told me, 'keep the lies simple' Obviously this govt hasn't learned that Maxim, the lies keep piling up until nothing they say is believable

Why shouldn't our politicians be lying, duplicitous and betray the trust of the French with contempt - our politicians do it to every Aussie citizen every day, why should the French be treated any better than Aussies

Some obscure rambling hidden in an article does not spell diplomacy

Lied in an honest way……

PD A liar

PeterDutton_MP Peter ..The 'public record' not relevant, the 'non-public record' part is the crucial part. This has become a bigger international headline than the AUKUS announcement, telling the world that Australia can no longer be trusted with international agreements.

The kickback package must be bloody worth it 🤑🤑

We need to vote out this government .It is critical, international foes are multiplying, mountains of debts are coming, deadly weapons aren't Aussie culture or values

Imposssible

The French would have spent millions on the tender process, billions tooling up for this project.... What Aust govt has done is not only disgraceful but traitorous... They may have cost business to collapse, unemployment, and possibly devastated a community.. Well done Aust?

Would that Starsi Commandant face lie?, he looks evil😉👹

Agenda 21. Enjoy.

Chris_Murray48 Pretty sure one of the issues holding up the French subs was their lies to us about how much local content would be used thereby creating local jobs

never do business with scomo gov again :) simple

Stuff the French, this is our Country , We must come first. Great Deal with Yanks! PeterDutton

The total lack of a concrete replacement plan for when the existing subs should be retired and the when the nuclear subs arrive and are commissioned shows how bad the Gov't policy is.

Really stupid move. France is a friend as well and you disrespected them.

“There has been lying, duplicity, a major breach of trust and contempt,” Le Drian told France 2.

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