Former prime minister sparks fiery debate with TV host: 'We believe in free speech'

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.


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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

Key Takeaways

  • Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull engaged in a tense on-air exchange with The Project host Steve Price regarding the AUKUS nuclear submarines deal.
  • Turnbull raised concerns about the feasibility and strategic implications of the submarine deal, which could cost up to $368 billion.
  • He criticised the current government for not being open and honest about the potential risks of not receiving the submarines due to stipulations in the US legislation.
  • Turnbull and The Project’s co-hosts discussed the significant implications of the AUKUS partnership for Australia's defence capabilities and sovereignty.
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.
 

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Why DO these arrogant presenters ( or their producers?!?!?) invite ANYONE to participate in their “interviews” if they do not agree with them. Journalism…. ? Or manipulation.
Agree with the “star” performers accustomed to “managing” their narratives AND their ratings, or be castigated by Steve Price et al??
He met his own level of arrogance, with a side of superior knowledge and intellect in Malcolm Turnbull.
 
Why anyone even listens to the failed and narcissistic PM Malcolm Turnbull, is beyond me! Turnbull’s only interest these days is to make life more difficult for the Liberals, especially Peter Dutton. The Labor Party had more sense than to accept him!
 
Yes. The whole AUKUS deal is very costly to us. The power of it is mainly to the advantage of the USA. We have a housing crisis. Consider how many houses could be built with that money. we need to focus on our countries needs not the wants of the American military industry.
 
We have never been a target for anyone, little old neutral Australia, they're ok. Now with these nuclear subs all of a sudden we are someone to be more aware of, we have all of a sudden become a target.
I think the residents of Darwin in February 1942 might have a different opinion. Also, the incursions on Newcastle and Sydney 3 or 4 months later . . . . .
 
Yes. The whole AUKUS deal is very costly to us. The power of it is mainly to the advantage of the USA. We have a housing crisis. Consider how many houses could be built with that money. we need to focus on our countries needs not the wants of the American military industry.
The first essential for our ongoing quality of life is that we can defend our borders and remain a sovereign nation! AUKUS gives us some hope of that! Freedom is an expensive commodity - but essential for a democratic nation. China looms.
 
AUKUS is a waste. What use as a deterrent are nuclear submarines on the never never without nuclear weapons? If we wanted nuclear subs the French ones would have been a better option.
Would Putin have invaded Ukraine if they had nuclear weapons?
The US will consider their navy first. Fifty conventional subs would be more deterrence than 8 nuclear subs? And we would have money left over.
Turnbull talks more sense than Price.
 
They are FORMER Prime Ministers and as such should hold their tongue when it comes to political issues. They had their day. Unfortunately for some and only a couple they need the public attention at any cost. We all know Malcolm was born to rule and his is still struggling trying to swallow the bitter pill that the public did not want him as a PM - he now aspires to be our first President - after all he was born to rule - just ask him!!
 
We have never been a target for anyone, little old neutral Australia, they're ok. Now with these nuclear subs all of a sudden we are someone to be more aware of, we have all of a sudden become a target.
Rubbish, the Japanese
They are FORMER Prime Ministers and as such should hold their tongue when it comes to political issues. They had their day. Unfortunately for some and only a couple they need the public attention at any cost. We all know Malcolm was born to rule and his is still struggling trying to swallow the bitter pill that the public did not want him as a PM - he now aspires to be our first President - after all he was born to rule - just ask him!!
Given the quality, (or lack of) of our current politicians they are welcome to speak out
 
Turnbull was always an arrogant twat.. His opinion doesn't count. He and all other former politicans should stay in the background and keep their blubbering lips silent..They had their time in the spotlight and were useless then
 
Yes. The whole AUKUS deal is very costly to us. The power of it is mainly to the advantage of the USA. We have a housing crisis. Consider how many houses could be built with that money. we need to focus on our countries needs not the wants of the American military industry.
I don't think they have built one house yet, it would have been all over the news when it was completed it there was.
 

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