A group of Australian independents who may hold the balance of power after the upcoming general election have jointly called for a full parliamentary inquiry into the AUKUS security agreement. They argue that Australia should reassess its commitment and consider alternative submarine options.

Incumbent independent MPs Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan, along with candidate Nicolette Boele, announced on Thursday that if elected in the May 3 vote, they will press for an extensive review of AUKUS.

Their united position gains importance in the scenario of a hung parliament, where no single party secures a majority of the 150 lower house seats. In such a case, independents and minor parties could determine the formation of the next government.

The Greens, currently the third-largest party in Parliament, have also pledged to push for an AUKUS exit if part of a minority government.

Boele, campaigning in a Coalition-held seat in northern Sydney, expressed concern over the lack of debate on AUKUS during the election period. “Since we signed AUKUS in 2021, the rules of global cooperation have changed,” she said.

Zoe Daniel, a former journalist who won her Melbourne seat in 2022, referred to a recent British inquiry into the AUKUS deal, stating, “If it’s prudent for the UK to reassess, it is essential for Australia to do the same.”

Monique Ryan, who also defeated a Coalition incumbent in southeast Melbourne during the last election, emphasized that Australia must explore “all contingencies and alternatives” for its future defence strategy.

Their stance came on day 13 of the five-week election campaign. The AUKUS agreement and Australia’s ties with the US have come under renewed scrutiny following former US President Donald Trump’s announcement of broad new tariffs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented from Queensland, stating that the US tariffs are harming its own economy. Opposition leader Peter Dutton, meanwhile, said he would seek to strengthen trade ties with the US if elected.

Climate policy also remains a key election issue. In a debate at the National Press Club, Labor’s Chris Bowen and the Coalition’s Ted O’Brien clashed over climate goals. The Coalition proposed abandoning Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target and building nuclear power plants, while Labor reaffirmed its commitment to a renewables-only path to net zero by 2050.