In this episode, we look at some of the politics around Defence – and especially the AUKUS part of it. In Australia we have effectively two part-time Ministers responsible for a massive and troubled portfolio and it raises questions about whether the government has the appetite for, or the ability to carry out, reforms and improvements. Even if the nuclear-powered task force has a plan to acquire second-hand Virginia class submarines that doesn’t guarantee success – history is full of failed military plans. Unfortunately, AUKUS is developing a cult-like atmosphere where only believers in the plan are included in discussions, which is a recipe for disaster. We might be looking at a combination of another Donald Trump Presidency and a minority ALP government – just imagine the consequences of that.