Former prime minister sparks fiery debate with TV host: 'We believe in free speech'
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A lively exchange on Australian television has sparked widespread discussion.
A well-known public figure and a media personality clashed over a contentious issue that continues to divide opinions.
The heated debate captivated viewers, with strong opinions emerging on both sides.
In a recent episode of Channel 10's The Project that has everyone buzzing, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull found himself in a heated exchange with co-host Steve Price.
The tension was palpable as the two men clashed over the controversial AUKUS nuclear submarines deal, which has been stirring up debate nationwide.
'Obviously, Peter Dutton would like you to shut up, and so would Albo (Anthony Albanese), presumably,' Price said.
'Well, so would you presumably—but then you shouldn't have asked me to come on the program.'
The AUKUS agreement, a strategic partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has been a hot topic since its announcement.
It's a bold move aimed at bolstering defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to perceived Chinese aggression.
The deal, which could cost Australian taxpayers up to $368 billion, involves the acquisition of eight nuclear-powered submarines, including three US Virginia-class and a new range of SSN-AUKUS-class hybrid vessels.
Turnbull, who led the country as the Liberal prime minister before his successor, Scott Morrison, expressed his concerns about the deal on the show.
He fears Australia might never see these submarines despite the hefty price tag.
His worries stem from a clause in the deal allowing the US to prioritise its naval needs over supplying Australia with the submarines should there be a shortfall.
Turnbull didn't mince words when he described the situation as 'a fiasco.'
The conversation took a sharp turn when Price questioned Turnbull's timing and choice to speak out, suggesting that it was inappropriate for a former prime minister to criticise such a sensitive deal amidst global tensions.
Turnbull's response was swift and pointed, 'Well, so would you presumably—but then you shouldn't have asked me to come on the program.'
The exchange grew even more intense when Price remarked that it wasn't his choice to have Turnbull on the show.
'We believe in free speech in Australia,' Turnbull said.
As the discussion continued, Turnbull was asked what he would do about the submarines if he were in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's shoes.
He proposed a rather drastic solution: having Australians serve on American submarines under the American flag, a move he acknowledged would be a significant loss to Australia's sovereignty.
Turnbull's insistence on transparency from current and aspiring political leaders, including Peter Dutton, struck a chord with many viewers.
He urged them to be honest about the risks associated with the AUKUS deal, including the possibility that Australia might not receive the submarines at all.
Even in the face of criticism, the former PM's candidness and willingness to speak his mind resonated with many Australians concerned about the country's defence strategy and financial commitments.
His appearance on The Project has sparked a broader conversation about the role of former leaders in public discourse and the importance of holding current politicians accountable.
As the debate over the AUKUS deal continues, it's clear that the stakes are high, and the opinions are strong.
With Australian submariners already training in the US and plans to build the vessels on home soil by the 2040s, the nation is watching closely to see how this ambitious project will unfold.
Credit: YouTube
What do you think, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club? Should former prime ministers speak out on current affairs, or should they remain silent? And what are your thoughts on the AUKUS deal and its implications for Australia's future? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below.
A well-known public figure and a media personality clashed over a contentious issue that continues to divide opinions.
The heated debate captivated viewers, with strong opinions emerging on both sides.
In a recent episode of Channel 10's The Project that has everyone buzzing, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull found himself in a heated exchange with co-host Steve Price.
The tension was palpable as the two men clashed over the controversial AUKUS nuclear submarines deal, which has been stirring up debate nationwide.
'Obviously, Peter Dutton would like you to shut up, and so would Albo (Anthony Albanese), presumably,' Price said.
A tense on-air exchange was seen between Malcolm Turnbull and Steve Price over the AUKUS deal. Credit: YouTube
'Well, so would you presumably—but then you shouldn't have asked me to come on the program.'
The AUKUS agreement, a strategic partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has been a hot topic since its announcement.
It's a bold move aimed at bolstering defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to perceived Chinese aggression.
The deal, which could cost Australian taxpayers up to $368 billion, involves the acquisition of eight nuclear-powered submarines, including three US Virginia-class and a new range of SSN-AUKUS-class hybrid vessels.
Turnbull, who led the country as the Liberal prime minister before his successor, Scott Morrison, expressed his concerns about the deal on the show.
He fears Australia might never see these submarines despite the hefty price tag.
His worries stem from a clause in the deal allowing the US to prioritise its naval needs over supplying Australia with the submarines should there be a shortfall.
Turnbull didn't mince words when he described the situation as 'a fiasco.'
The conversation took a sharp turn when Price questioned Turnbull's timing and choice to speak out, suggesting that it was inappropriate for a former prime minister to criticise such a sensitive deal amidst global tensions.
Turnbull's response was swift and pointed, 'Well, so would you presumably—but then you shouldn't have asked me to come on the program.'
The exchange grew even more intense when Price remarked that it wasn't his choice to have Turnbull on the show.
'We believe in free speech in Australia,' Turnbull said.
As the discussion continued, Turnbull was asked what he would do about the submarines if he were in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's shoes.
He proposed a rather drastic solution: having Australians serve on American submarines under the American flag, a move he acknowledged would be a significant loss to Australia's sovereignty.
Turnbull's insistence on transparency from current and aspiring political leaders, including Peter Dutton, struck a chord with many viewers.
He urged them to be honest about the risks associated with the AUKUS deal, including the possibility that Australia might not receive the submarines at all.
Even in the face of criticism, the former PM's candidness and willingness to speak his mind resonated with many Australians concerned about the country's defence strategy and financial commitments.
His appearance on The Project has sparked a broader conversation about the role of former leaders in public discourse and the importance of holding current politicians accountable.
As the debate over the AUKUS deal continues, it's clear that the stakes are high, and the opinions are strong.
With Australian submariners already training in the US and plans to build the vessels on home soil by the 2040s, the nation is watching closely to see how this ambitious project will unfold.
Credit: YouTube
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