ICAN Australia Raises Safety Concerns Over AUKUS-Linked Defence Site and US Submarine Operations
ICAN Australia has expressed significant safety concerns regarding the AUKUS-linked Henderson Defence Precinct and the effective basing of US submarines at Stirling Naval Base in Western Australia. The organization highlights that the infrastructure expansion at Henderson and HMAS Stirling, combined with adjacent residential developments, effectively establishes a major US naval base. This development, according to ICAN Australia, significantly elevates Perth as a high-priority target in the event of conflict. A critical concern arises from 2030 onwards, when potentially nuclear-armed U.S. Virginia-class submarines are expected to operate in Australia, which ICAN Australia believes could breach commitments under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (Rarotonga) Treaty. The group also points out that the Australian government currently does not inquire if US platforms carry nuclear weapons, relying instead on the Trump administration to respect treaty obligations. 
