Politics With Michelle Grattan: Malcolm Turnbull On Australia's 'Dumb' Defence Debate

The Albanese government remains in complicated territory on the international stage. It has to tread carefully with China, despite the marked warming of the bilateral relationship. It is yet to find its line and length with the unpredictable Trump administration.

Meanwhile, with the new parliament meeting for the first time next week, the federal Opposition remains in a tough spot, still reeling from a brutal election defeat. The Liberals have an untested leader and uncertainty over what policies they will keep and which they will scrap, with their future commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 yet to be reconfirmed.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has personally navigated the highs and lows of these issues, and joins the podcast today.

On AUKUS and national security, Turnbull says the debate has“never been dumber”.

On defence spending, Turnbull calls a proper review on what Australia needs, rather then spending a certain percent on defence.

Turnbull also warns of a“reckless” degree of“delusion” in Canberra about the risk of not getting nuclear-powered submarines from the US.

On global affairs, Turnbull says the Albanese government has performed well in a time of uncertainty.

On Albanese's failure to meet yet with the US president, Turnbull says it doesn't matter“a huge amount”.

On the Liberal Party, Turnbull is pessimistic about its chances of moderating its views, even with Sussan Ley, generally regarded as centrist, as leader,

Despite reservations, Turnbull says quotas for women are the only way to the Liberal party to where it wants to be.

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