Letter to PM regarding Nuclear Port

11th May 2025

The Hon Anthony Albanese,

Prime Minister,

Member for Grayndler,

Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600

Dear Prime Minister,

At our meeting held Monday 5th May 2025 the members of Hunter Peace Group raised the issue of whether the government will be deciding which city on the eastern seaboard will become the nuclear submarine port (base) during this term of Government.   We understand that it is still on the table as part of the AUKUS PACT negotiations, and, if it is an integral part of those negotiations, we presume that your government will be deciding on this issue sometime during the next 3 years.

We are aware that the “green light” has been given for the US and UK to berth their nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling naval base in WA under the Submarine Rotational Force Agreement – West,  which brings a rotational presence of US and UK nuclear subs at Stirling Naval Base from 2027, but not an  SRF – East agreement but there are still plans to establish an east coast submarine base which most probably will mirror the SRF-West agreement. 

We would like to reiterate our strong objection to any port on the Eastern seaboard being designated as a nuclear submarine port and particularly Newcastle as this is our hometown.   Further, we once again bring to your attention that the three cities ex PM Morrison nominated (Brisbane, Newcastle and Port Kembla), are all declared nuclear free zones.     HPG members believe that this fact should not be overlooked when the Government deliberates on this issue.   

Hunter Peace Group, along with other groups, are strongly opposed to the AUKUS PACT which, apart from the various defence manufacturing industries that have been established, including our NEWCASTE HUB, bringing  well-paid, union conditions jobs;  they are jobs that unfortunately only seem  to  benefit the USA-Australia Alliance and the very large and powerful Lockheed Martin’s of this world, rather than benefitting all Australians and Australia,

There is also the issue of the government establishing a nuclear waste facility “As a responsible nuclear steward, Australia will manage all waste generated by its own Virginia class and SSN-AUKUS submarines. Australia will not process spent nuclear fuel or reactors from the US, UK or other countries.”

Minister for Defence Richard Marles  2024.      

Australia’s nuclear footprint will just get bigger and bigger under AUKUS, but we do not believe better.  

“Nuclear Free is the way to be”.

In peace and friendship

Lynda Forbes,

Secretary Hunter Peace Group 

cc – Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP   Minister for Defence,   Minister for Defence Industries