15 February 2026
The Greens have today announced their plan to end the State Government’s support for the AUKUS nuclear submarine program, saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and cut ties between weapons manufacturers and SA’s schools and universities.
Key facts:
- The Greens will discontinue all state government defence spending, leaving it to the Commonwealth, and cancel the AUKUS training academy. This will save taxpayers over $500 million over 4 years according to budget documents.[1][2]
- In the new term of Parliament, the Greens will move for an inquiry into South Australia’s involvement in the AUKUS project.
- South Australian universities have received over $1.5 million from the United States Department of Defence[3], and public schools are partnering with defence organisations such as BAE systems to run programs that lead to defence careers.[4]
- The Greens will introduce legislation that requires universities and public schools to disclose and divest from any partnerships with weapons manufacturers.
Quotes attributable to Senator David Shoebridge
“The Greens are the only party that will partner with the community to keep SA nuclear free.
“AUKUS is a dangerous gamble made by Scott Morrison and carried out by Labor. It is stealing hundreds of billions of dollars from jobs and industries we can be proud of, schools to teach the next generation, homes we need and environmental protection.“
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC
“While South Australians are desperate for cost-of-living relief, Labor are wasting billions of dollars on nuclear submarines when we could instead fund healthcare, education and housing.”
“This term Labor passed sweeping legislation that enables them to override existing laws to fast-track AUKUS related developments. It’s especially concerning that their plan will introduce nuclear waste to the LeFevre Peninsula. In the new term of parliament, the Greens will push for an inquiry into South Australia’s involvement in this project, and we will continue to oppose every move the State Government makes to legislate for AUKUS.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Barbara Pocock
“While Labor wastes billions on AUKUS thousands of South Australians renters and mortgagees are deep in a housing crisis - the worst in living memory. It’s time to end massive tax breaks for multiple property investors, cap rents and build much more social housing. If we end AUKUS we can invest in those who really need it.”
Quotes attributable to Lead Upper House Candidate Melanie Selwood
“The major parties are bending over backwards to deliver the doomed AUKUS plan. AUKUS ties our state's economic future to the US, defence industries, and the storage of nuclear waste. Instead we could be building a future for our state by funding local infrastructure manufacturing, building affordable housing, and investing in educational programs that serve the interests of South Australians, not the US and the UK."
"Our universities and schools should be places that advance the public good, but the weapons industry has infiltrated our classrooms through sponsorships and programs.”
“When Parliament returns, the Greens will introduce legislation that requires universities and public schools to disclose and divest from any partnerships with weapons manufacturers, as well as other harmful industries like gambling, fossil fuels and tobacco companies.”
"It's time for us to abandon nuclear submarines and waste in our backyard and put the state's time and effort into building a better future. The Greens are the only party willing to call out this dud deal for SA."