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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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
Well, the current ones (federal leaders) are also arrogant and useless
 
I wish that Turnbull would disappear into obscurity where he belongs. Hasn't that miserable old bastard done enough damage to Australia when he was PM?
All Australian politicians are tainted and do not do what is right for the country or the people. They've sold us out and sold us up for decades and some should be charged with treason as far as I'm concerned.
We need to get rid of career politicians because their only interest is to keep their job and they are willing to spend billions of out tax payers' money to achieve that.
 
What a sad world we have become out to get one another instead of working together and finding solutions for real issues such as our cost of living, housing and poverty. These political tensions just hurt everyone instead of finding ways to get along and work together. Maybe I am just being too naive of people working together and getting along. We have become such a divided and hateful world! We have not learned from all the conflicts of wars from previous generations.
 
But you are right
What a sad world we have become out to get one another instead of working together and finding solutions for real issues such as our cost of living, housing and poverty. These political tensions just hurt everyone instead of finding ways to get along and work together. Maybe I am just being too naive of people working together and getting along. We have become such a divided and hateful world! We have not learned from all the conflicts of wars from previous generations.
 
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Turnbull was a useless PM and is still useless. Ask him about the millions it is costing for his pet project of pumping water uphill so it can produce electricity on the way down. This dream is already over budget by about six times the original budget, and it is nowhere near finished and he wants to talk about costs of submarines. If he was still running the show I hate to think what cost would be.
 
I didn't see the project as it's not show I'm interested in but nearly $400b for a handful of sub's is a lot of money this or generation has to pay . Does Australia really need it or is it a prestige thing. .I think the later
 
Turnbull is a disgraced loudmouth idiot who should fade away into obscurity and shut up he should be booted out of the liberal party and even the labor party would not want or have him he is a troublemaker still sulking on being booted out as pm i really pity the poor demented idiot
 
I didn't see the project as it's not show I'm interested in but nearly $400b for a handful of sub's is a lot of money this or generation has to pay . Does Australia really need it or is it a prestige thing. .I think the later
We have been scammed with those subs, and America is laughing all the way to the bank. A great deal Scotty, and well done Albo for being too scared to do anything.
Given the US navy has priority they might arrive by 2070, when they will be obsolete. Trump loves getting money for nothing.
 
Not disagreeing, but what has Dud Dutton done that is constructive
I don't normally get into the politics of the day because I believe they are all a bunch of lying thieves with their noses in the trough, however, I like Peter Dutton he isn't a professional politician. He actually worked for a living prior to going into politics. These other bludgers that cry poor and come from broken families, or raised by single parents need to get over themselves, their plights are not any worse than any one else. They all managed to get university degrees in BAs (Bugger All) go into some cushy union or organisational job till they get the tap on the shoulder to say you're up. And then they get elected stick around for whatever it used (7 years) to be and walk away with a $1M a year pension before they are even thirty. So yes, I like Peter Dutton, he's no Ted Mack, but then I know we will only ever have one true gentleman politician like that, the mould was definitely broken after they made that one.
 
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Rather than attack the man, look at the subject.

I am a former senior officer in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). I served overseas twice in conflicts and a few other times in peace. True, I have been out for many years, but I still keep a watchful eye on emerging technologies, trends and happenings within the ADF and the defence of our nation. I know how to attack and I know how to defend. Make no mistake, Australia has been at war for many years. It is not a conventional war, it is a combination of the Cold War (when I grew up) and a trade war, but a war none-the-less.

I don't particularly like Mr Turnbull or any of them, but Turnbullis right that the AUKUS deal is a dud for us, but good for the US. As Australians, we respect that everyone has a right to their opinion. Why is Mr Turnbull any different. He was given a platform and asked a question. If the journalist didn't want to hear his answer, he should not have been invited onto the program.

Rather than spending money on manned submarines, we should be looking at home-made unmanned underwater vehicles. Australia already makes them for non-military purposes and, at $4.3 billion per submarine (the price varies depending on the source), we could make around 1,000 UUAVs. That gives significantly better coverage than a handful of submarines, many of which will be in docks for maintenance and lack of crews. As they are unmanned, they pose less risk to the ADF if they are lost. They are less maintenance as they are electric. They can rest on the bottom of the ocean at strategic points and just listen and so are the best stealth machine in the world when sitting dormant and listening. When something is heard or they need tasking or recharging of their batteries, they simply blow their ballast and raise to the surface. They can be armed (limited). These are not small drones, they are highly capable submarines, just not with people on board. In a time when we struggle to get humans to join the ADF, it make sense that one pilot can monitor and drive dozens of boats at a time.

We need to become more independent as a nation and not just another star on the US flag. We are a sovereign nation and should behave like one. If governments are truly concerned about making things in Australia as PM Albanese and Mr Dutton both say, then do it. Start here. Make them here. We have the industry. We have the knowledge and the patents. Just need to wrestle back steel-making as well...
 
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Australia has had submarines since WW1. Subs are no just a deterrent. I dont give a red rats arse for politicians. They are all corrupt and are liars. How many promises his Albogreasy kept. Two party system must go. We should no longer be a part of a constitutional monarchy.
 
Rather than attack the man, look at the subject.

I am a former senior officer in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). I served overseas twice in conflicts and a few other times in peace. True, I have been out for many years, but I still keep a watchful eye on emerging technologies, trends and happenings within the ADF and the defence of our nation. I know how to attack and I know how to defend. Make no mistake, Australia has been at war for many years. It is not a conventional war, it is a combination of the Cold War (when I grew up) and a trade war, but a war none-the-less.

I don't particularly like Mr Turnbull or any of them, but Turnbullis right that the AUKUS deal is a dud for us, but good for the US. As Australians, we respect that everyone has a right to their opinion. Why is Mr Turnbull any different. He was given a platform and asked a question. If the journalist didn't want to hear his answer, he should not have been invited onto the program.

Rather than spending money on manned submarines, we should be looking at home-made unmanned underwater vehicles. Australia already makes them for non-military purposes and, at $4.3 billion per submarine (the price varies depending on the source), we could make around 1,000 UUAVs. That gives significantly better coverage than a handful of submarines, many of which will be in docks for maintenance and lack of crews. As they are unmanned, they pose less risk to the ADF if they are lost. They are less maintenance as they are electric. They can rest on the bottom of the ocean at strategic points and just listen and so are the best stealth machine in the world when sitting dormant and listening. When something is heard or they need tasking or recharging of their batteries, they simply blow their ballast and raise to the surface. They can be armed (limited). These are not small drones, they are highly capable submarines, just not with people on board. In a time when we struggle to get humans to join the ADF, it make sense that one pilot can monitor and drive dozens of boats at a time.

We need to become more independent as a nation and not just another star on the US flag. We are a sovereign nation and should behave like one. If governments are truly concerned about making things in Australia as PM Albanese and Mr Dutton both say, then do it. Start here. Make them here. We have the industry. We have the knowledge and the patents. Just need to wrestle back steel-making as well...
I totally agree. Unfortunately our gutless politicians are too scared to this, or anything else.
 
I can see a need for us to continue with the purchase of the submarines for our defense reasons. Perhaps though and considering the US President's ridiculous antics we should pull out of AUKUS, write off the money spent to date, and reinstate the agreement that we had with the French if they will have us back.
 
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
Just a heads up. I'd be very careful using the "twat" word. I was told I was disgusting and had no self esteem for using such foul language on this forum yesterday. But luckily for you the offended snowflake isn't on their soapbox this morning......yet 🤣🤣🤣
 

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