Morrison Dismisses Pentagon AUKUS Review Concerns, Offers Government Assistance

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday he is not concerned about the Pentagon's 30-day review of the AUKUS submarine agreement, describing it as routine for incoming governments while offering to assist the Albanese administration in defending the trilateral partnership.

Morrison told Newsday the review reflects standard practice and mirrors similar assessments conducted by the UK under Sir Keir Starmer, which ultimately strengthened British commitment to the agreement.

"It's totally within their remit, as I've said, that incoming governments do reviews," Morrison said during the television interview. "Sir Keir Starmer did a review and that resulted in the UK government being even more committed to AUKUS."

The former prime minister emphasized the review originates from the Department of Defence rather than the White House, suggesting President Donald Trump remains supportive of the partnership Morrison helped establish during his tenure.

"This is a Department of Defence review. This hasn't been initiated out of the White House," Morrison said. "I've always had that impression that he's always been very supportive."

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