Lead Commissioner, Former Labor Minister the Hon Peter Garrett and Commissioner, (Ret’d) Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie will answer the critical questions, “will Aukus keep us safe – and at what cost”.
Aukus Public Hearing Summary
The consequences of AUKUS will shape Australia’s national security for generations, and such a decision demands genuine, transparent public consultation. Under the banner of the Australian Peace and Security Forum, an independent, non‑aligned, crowd‑funded Public Inquiry into AUKUS was launched in June 2026. The Inquiry has already received hundreds of submissions from across the country, and Commissioners have travelled nationwide to hear directly from concerned Australians — including former prime ministers, defence ministers, senior military leaders, academics, union representatives, and community members.
Lead Commissioner
The Hon Peter Garrett AM FTSE is an Australian musician, environmentalist, activist and former federal Labor Minister. He is best known as the dynamic frontman of Midnight Oil and has long been a leading national voice on social justice, First Nations rights, and environmental protection.
Commissioners
Admiral Chris Barrie AC RAN (Ret’d) is a former Chief of the Australian Defence. After more than four decades of military service, he has continued to contribute nationally as an Honorary Professor and a prominent voice on defence policy, climate risk, and long‑term security.
Karina Lester is a Yankunytjatjara Anangu woman and ICAN Australia Ambassador, recognised nationally and internationally for her leadership on nuclear justice. She brings a powerful First Nations voice to the global movement confronting the ongoing impacts of nuclear harm.
The Hon. Dr Carmen Lawrence AO is a psychologist, academic, and former Premier of Western Australia — the first woman to lead an Australian state. She later served in federal cabinet and now works in public policy and social justice through her academic and civic roles.
Leanne Minshull is Co‑CEO of The Australia Institute and a leading strategist in public policy and advocacy. With a background spanning politics, law, and the not‑for‑profit sector, she brings deep experience in shaping national debates on democracy, climate, and economic justice.
