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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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
Well said - it's the troops on the ground that suffer the most and receive the least amount of support when things go awry - the services are quick to get rid of the so called "dead wood" when health issues raise their ugly head - no questions asked or excuses accepted regardless of how long they have served. The shiny arsed head honchos in Canberra couldn't give a stuff so long as they collect their undeserved fat paychecks.
 
I may not agree with Turnbull on many issues, but he’s absolutely right on this. It’s a mistake to assume that the US will always support Australia—Trump’s actions make that abundantly clear. Tying our security to the US, especially while spending so much on these submarines, simply doesn’t make sense. Australia should adopt a non-aligned stance and prioritize what’s in our best interest. AUKUS feels like hitching our future to two aging and unreliable tankers that have seen better days, both in leadership and global influence.
 
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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.
I'm afraid to say Australia is not a neutral country. Believe that and you may as well leave your head buried in the sand. Distance means nothing to a military that wants to take over Australia.
 
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Ofcourse we believe in free speech. No way would anyone try to stop me having my say.
As long as onecendeavours to be as courteous as possible & not libel anyone I shall speak up for what I believe.
I partially disagree with freedom of speech. How much 💩 is spread around due to it? Truths, lies, dis and misinformation and the list goes on. To me it causes hate and mistrust in people and a lot of bloody stress. It’s fine to have a say but unfortunately these days in particular it’s just nasty and out of control and I think maybe due to the very medium we are on now - technology. My whinge for the day. Sorry.
 
That twerp should keep his yap shut and crawl back under a rock....
Everyone is entitled to have an opinion and has the right to express it. You don't have to agree with it. Telling someone to shut up is trying to shut down their freedom.
 
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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.
Question for you: How did "Biden (who let everyhting go to shit)" turn everything to shit? Is this a fact or just an opinion? :unsure:
 
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The had his time is totally unable to do anything about anything. We need to hear from the puppet masters in charge not the ex puppet.
 
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