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 left Australia for the first time when my daughter was six months old. I came back when she was a little girl, walking and talking. We didn't have mobiles or the internet and out in the bush, telephones were non-existent. We didn't come home at all in the year I was away. I received bulk letters every fortnight. When I came home, she didn't know me. I was just a person who was in the house and taking some attention from her mum. It took three months to regain her trust. The only time I could hold her without her screaming was when she was asleep.

The next time I was sent overseas, my son was nearly three. Another year lost of his life, my daughter and my wife. All that, and a few injuries I got and I was treated like a pariah. I was then posted to a unit where there were no other veterans. No-one to talk to. No-one understood what we had done. Not many people even knew (or cared) that we were overseas. The places I went were never on the news, at least the Australian involvement was not.

Fast forward many years, and many of my men have taken their own lives. Yet still we fight to get reimbursed for the physical and psychological damage that we suffered. The government resists at every turn. They pay lip-service and say they help, but it is not real. I had to leave because of the way they treated me and then how they treated my beloved wife. She and my kids kept me alive.

Sorry, I have said too much. But I can share because none of you know me. Therefore, you can't look at me and see the monster or the repaired (broken) man that I was. I was lucky that I had a great family that allowed me to rise above the things I was feeling.
As a mother of a current serviceperson (soon to be medically discharged) I can fully appreciate the lack of consideration and respect shown to long serving personnel. All arms of the defence force suffer the same pathetic attitude, you have to put up and shut up - just be appreciative that you have a job yadda yadda! Pity the powers that be are not sent overseas to experience what conflict can do to a person especially when they are not supported through difficult re-adjustment to civvy life.
Thank you for your service and I salute your unselfish service. Good luck in your future.
 
What a bunch of twaddle and crap from some of the comments, defeated, expelled, voted out EX- ministers should have nothing to say as they all failed the people and this Country in some way. The common theme is they all let the ADF's capabilities run down to such an extent we do not have the capabilities to defend ourselves. Our Servicemen/women can fight and carry their heads high in pride however, the ADF is 'top heavy with Officers' and light-on with personnel and equipment on the ground. Battalions, Companies, Platoons have all been reduced in numbers and equipment types and quantities are terribly scarce and bought on the 'cheap' by the 'bean counters' in the Purchasing/Supply areas. Just look at this latest incident with the Chinese Naval Ships being able to approach our coastline and now Ministers, ADF leaders arguing over who knew, when, they were there and what did we do..... nothing. The current ADF Chief, a neatly pressed uniform with all the 'scrambled egg' hanging from his button holes, would appear to be more comfortable on the deck of a prawn trawler than a warship. We couldn't even send out a 'Warship' responce to at least shadow them and take some 'happy snaps' which have 'shitted off the Chinese no end.' As for the French Subs. they are still only a drawing on a blue-print when the contract was signed, were not even started to be built when we cancelled the contract, and already out of date, when still on the paper. Surface Warships do not have a long life-span when the shooting starts with the surface to surface weapon types awailable and air attack weapons.... We have to have an submarine capacity that can stay out there for long periods. I have two sons in the ADF, am extremely proud of them both and I am ex-National Service, if you don't want to fight to defend this/our Country I don't want to hear your bleeding-heart, pacifist, rainbow, sunflower head-dress, sitar-music whining (the love-making part I like) comments....toughen up, stand up and back our ADF men/women... From what my sons tell me they do not have the right equipment,modern and the quantity they deserve to do their job...you don't put a chef in a kitchen without a knife, so don't send our ADF people out without ammunition/equipment to defend us. Politicians will fight a war from a comfortable Office and send out our sons/daughters to fight and die, I wonder how many of their sons/daughters will be out there with them. In the aftermarth when the accusations and allegations arise the same 'seat-warmers' will pass judgement from the safety of their office, cups of teas and chocolate bikkies.'
Have a great day everyone, if I have offended anyone........ I don't care...lol
 
What a bunch of twaddle and crap from some of the comments, defeated, expelled, voted out EX- ministers should have nothing to say as they all failed the people and this Country in some way. The common theme is they all let the ADF's capabilities run down to such an extent we do not have the capabilities to defend ourselves. Our Servicemen/women can fight and carry their heads high in pride however, the ADF is 'top heavy with Officers' and light-on with personnel and equipment on the ground. Battalions, Companies, Platoons have all been reduced in numbers and equipment types and quantities are terribly scarce and bought on the 'cheap' by the 'bean counters' in the Purchasing/Supply areas. Just look at this latest incident with the Chinese Naval Ships being able to approach our coastline and now Ministers, ADF leaders arguing over who knew, when, they were there and what did we do..... nothing. The current ADF Chief, a neatly pressed uniform with all the 'scrambled egg' hanging from his button holes, would appear to be more comfortable on the deck of a prawn trawler than a warship. We couldn't even send out a 'Warship' responce to at least shadow them and take some 'happy snaps' which have 'shitted off the Chinese no end.' As for the French Subs. they are still only a drawing on a blue-print when the contract was signed, were not even started to be built when we cancelled the contract, and already out of date, when still on the paper. Surface Warships do not have a long life-span when the shooting starts with the surface to surface weapon types awailable and air attack weapons.... We have to have an submarine capacity that can stay out there for long periods. I have two sons in the ADF, am extremely proud of them both and I am ex-National Service, if you don't want to fight to defend this/our Country I don't want to hear your bleeding-heart, pacifist, rainbow, sunflower head-dress, sitar-music whining (the love-making part I like) comments....toughen up, stand up and back our ADF men/women... From what my sons tell me they do not have the right equipment,modern and the quantity they deserve to do their job...you don't put a chef in a kitchen without a knife, so don't send our ADF people out without ammunition/equipment to defend us. Politicians will fight a war from a comfortable Office and send out our sons/daughters to fight and die, I wonder how many of their sons/daughters will be out there with them. In the aftermarth when the accusations and allegations arise the same 'seat-warmers' will pass judgement from the safety of their office, cups of teas and chocolate bikkies.'
Have a great day everyone, if I have offended anyone........ I don't care...lol
I think you need more thought. All politicians have let this country down, especially the current bunch, and with free speech why aren't former politicians allowed to comment? Yes defence, and many other things have been run down, and all accountants are taught these days is cut costs, and economists know nothing but interest rates and productivity,(though it escapes me how to measure productivity for services and health).
As for subs, the US ones are a distant mirage, and very precarious with Trump in charge. The french ones look better every day.
 
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Well done Malcolm for speaking about this problem we have with the AUKUS deal. We should dump it immediately. Not good for Australia. By the way Price is a d**k head.
 
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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!!
What a load of dung. We have free speech and we need people like Malcolm, a former PM to speak up when our so called politicians are keeping quiet on the subject. We need to know these things. Always thought the LNP screwed us on this deal.
 
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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!!
They shouldn't ask past members of parliament to appear on TV or be on other media.
 
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this particular one should go away and just shut up. he has us locked into the paris agreement but does he say that is a bad move? NO. My opinion is he did not help australia with the tarrif solution, in fact i blame him. women who fawn him must not have a brain cell.
With a comment like that your head must be completely empty, and leave wearing slops and unable to tie your shoe laces.
I don't want pollution crap in my backyard thanks, so can we send it all to you
 
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He is has-been that failed as a PM and cannot accept that we don't care what his uninformed opinion is.
All past PM's are by definition a failure as they were voted out. Let's start with Abbott and Morrison
 
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As a mother of a current serviceperson (soon to be medically discharged) I can fully appreciate the lack of consideration and respect shown to long serving personnel. All arms of the defence force suffer the same pathetic attitude, you have to put up and shut up - just be appreciative that you have a job yadda yadda! Pity the powers that be are not sent overseas to experience what conflict can do to a person especially when they are not supported through difficult re-adjustment to civvy life.
Thank you for your service and I salute your unselfish service. Good luck in your future.
Yes, I think they would have a different take on their current attitude regarding defence personnel, if they were faced with their children`s involvement in pending or past war. But they won`t will they, cannot forget Abbotts comment " Shit Happens".
 
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.
Why bother if you cannot defend yourself China will build a home Wake up, we cannot ask other nations to defend us because we spent the money on housing!!!
 
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Don't get me wrong, I am not against free speech however, it is what they say on certain occasions that worries me..anyone can be an expert after an event,(oh to have hindsight early), and true there have been successive Gov. failures and they are still happening but, I would like to see someone held accountable for them.. We saw Peter Garrett thrown under the bus by Rudd over the 'pink batts debarkle' and Rudd came out of it unscathed. We are in this 'mess in Ukraine/Russia because Politicians around the world sat back and let Putin push the barrell to see how far he could go and he was allowed to do so, now he wants peace because his army has been shown up as being sub-standard, his gun sights on the artillery is so bad they keep shelling houses, home units and churches with the 'peace being on his terms and conditions. Trump will always been an 'unknown factor', but I'm worried about this Countries future and safety and I haven't got much faith in the current mob or the future mob.
 
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