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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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.
Trade one 'master' for another. We are Australia, not USA or France or any other country. Submarines are an outdated platform. Read my post a few back.
 
Trade one 'master' for another. We are Australia, not USA or France or any other country. Submarines are an outdated platform. Read my post a few back.
I agree that the current submarines in our fleet are outdated and that is why we have to replace them urgently with nuclear-powered versions. Also, they would of course be fitted with the latest technology for defense and attack even if this is denied by the powers that be.
 
I agree that the current submarines in our fleet are outdated and that is why we have to replace them urgently with nuclear-powered versions. Also, they would of course be fitted with the latest technology for defense and attack even if this is denied by the powers that be.
All clunky outdated technology. Thousands of underwater unmanned drones are the way to go, at a smaller cost than a handful of submarines. We could have the first ones in the water within two years by modifying civilian platforms that already exist and are made in Australia. We have Collins submarines now that are not fully manned as we struggle to get people into the ADF. If people join, they are treated poorly and leave when they are just becoming useful. What makes people think that the ADF will be able to get people to run these boats?
 
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All clunky outdated technology. Thousands of underwater unmanned drones are the way to go, at a smaller cost than a handful of submarines. We could have the first ones in the water within two years by modifying civilian platforms that already exist and are made in Australia. We have Collins submarines now that are not fully manned as we struggle to get people into the ADF. If people join, they are treated poorly and leave when they are just becoming useful. What makes people think that the ADF will be able to get people to run these boats?
I see your point that unmanned drones are an option, I have not heard of them so cannot comment. There are plenty of staff to run the new subs as they are now training in the USA. The French can also provide the same training.
 
That twerp should keep his yap shut and crawl back under a rock....
He was invited to participate in the show and he was expressing his views about AUKUS and I think he is right to do so!! He doesn`t live under a rock, this is a democracy and freedom of speech is at the heart of democracy.
 
I see your point that unmanned drones are an option, I have not heard of them so cannot comment. There are plenty of staff to run the new subs as they are now training in the USA. The French can also provide the same training.
The highly skilled people will remain if treated right. If not, they will go to better paid jobs in private industry (just not as rewarding). Governments have failed people like me and countless others in the ADF and people leave because of that. We have learned nothing since the first Australian came back from WW1. We treated them poorly when they were serving and it was disgusting how they were treated when they returned - and they were the ones that we rightfully consider heroes. Since then, the support from governments has just gone downhill. I could tell you my story and you would just shake your head and say that is horrible. My story is just one of thousands and probably not as bad as most. So, we can be optimists and believe we will be able to man a handful of these clunky machines, or we can take the HR problems out of the picture and replace them with thousands of very capable stealth weapons.
 
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.
Possibly, but by the time they are built (2030) they will very likely be redundant. That`s if the US decides that they will be available to Australia and they are unlikely to be in ready for use by (2040). I hope China remains patient, until this mess is sorted. (HANG ON CHINA)
 
The highly skilled people will remain if treated right. If not, they will go to better paid jobs in private industry (just not as rewarding). Governments have failed people like me and countless others in the ADF and people leave because of that. We have learned nothing since the first Australian came back from WW1. We treated them poorly when they were serving and it was disgusting how they were treated when they returned - and they were the ones that we rightfully consider heroes. Since then, the support from governments has just gone downhill. I could tell you my story and you would just shake your head and say that is horrible. My story is just one of thousands and probably not as bad as most. So, we can be optimists and believe we will be able to man a handful of these clunky machines, or we can take the HR problems out of the picture and replace them with thousands of very capable stealth weapons.
I have to say thank you for being a member of the defense fraternity here in Aus and I do sympathise with you after my own service experience in Vietnam. But we have to move on to what is now a new and modernised version of the armed forces.
I would really be interested in what the underwater drones comprise of and how are they controlled. If you have any information I think it would be of interest to our members.
 
Why would any intelligent person want to listen to Steve Price is beyond me.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!
 
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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.
Haven't you ever seen the movie or read the book 'On the Beach', by Nevil shute?
 
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I have to say thank you for being a member of the defense fraternity here in Aus and I do sympathise with you after my own service experience in Vietnam. But we have to move on to what is now a new and modernised version of the armed forces.
I would really be interested in what the underwater drones comprise of and how are they controlled. If you have any information I think it would be of interest to our members.
Hello Mr Chips. Thank you for your service in Vietnam. You guys were treated the worst of all. Australia's shame. I will see what I can dig up and make sure it's OK to share. Cheers, Craig
 
This is just a taster: https://www.news.com.au/technology/...e/news-story/6c4040a415f13bfe444f9e492e23ed79. These are USA made units, but I know of a few businesses here that are building non-military vehicles that are similar. They measure water turbidity, movement of surface and aircraft etc. Very easily converted to a military application made in Australia.

For every Virginia Class boat, we can get several thousand drones.
 
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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.
This is speculative on the USA Manufacturing not being up to speed, under Biden (who let everyhting go to shit) it may have contributed to Turnbull pessimistic comments, however now that Biden is gone things in the USA are changing, so we will see.
 
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.
Well Trump wasn't involved in the deal - so why bring him into it?
 
Well, it is interesting that these two have faced off. Both have Narcissistic personalities. Not surprised they clashed both want their own way and both have big ego`s. However I would be very concerned about the huge Australian investment in AUKUS and at best it was political. A deal had been struck with France which was broken and suddenly AUKUS!! If we consider a conspiracy, how about Liberal`s interest in handing our investment to America and guess who landed a very lucrative position involving AUKUS, yes former Prime Minister Mr Morrison!! Funny hey?? So let`s get back to Australian security, 8 nuclear submarines, maybe! China has 6 and America has 66. If a war broke out using these weapons goodbye "Australia" wouldn`t it be better if there was serious effort to get along with our neighbours don`t forget Our Mother Country planted its crim`s right in the heart of Asia we were always going to be sitting ducks.
 
This is speculative on the USA Manufacturing not being up to speed, under Biden (who let everyhting go to shit) it may have contributed to Turnbull pessimistic comments, however now that Biden is gone things in the USA are changing, so we will see.
Yes, Mr Trump is realy interested he could not care less about Australia`s interests, too busy looking after his own!!
 
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