Former Australian environment minister Peter Garrett has announced his involvement in an independent inquiry examining the Aukus defence agreement, a major security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The review has been initiated by a group of Labor Party veterans and other prominent public figures who argue that the project has not received sufficient public scrutiny despite its estimated cost of $368 billion and its long-term implications for Australia's defence policy.

In the Full Story podcast, Garrett discusses concerns surrounding the Aukus program, particularly the financial burden, strategic risks and Australia's increasingly close military relationship with the United States.

Supporters of the inquiry believe that Australians deserve a transparent assessment of whether the agreement will genuinely improve national security or expose the country to greater risks.

The discussion highlights growing debate about the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, including questions about escalating costs, project delays and uncertainty over whether the submarines will ultimately be delivered as planned.Critics also warn that military facilities linked to the Aukus program could make Australia a more prominent target during international conflicts.

Garrett argues that the scale and significance of the agreement require a thorough and independent examination so that the public can better understand its consequences.

The podcast explores whether Aukus represents a necessary investment in Australia's future security or whether it creates new vulnerabilities and strategic dependencies.

The inquiry seeks to contribute to a broader national conversation about defence priorities, public accountability and Australia's role within an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.