AN AUSTRALIAN anti-war group has condemned Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’s $12 billion (£8.8bn) US nuclear submarine base announcement.

The Albanese government confirmed the funding as part of a projected $24bn (£17.7bn) investment in an Aukus — a partnership between Australia, Britain and the US nuclear submarine facility in Western Australia.

The Sydney Anti-Aukus Coalition (SAAC) denounced the move, warning it came “at a time of growing unrest and dissent” over inequality, and as the Trump administration threatens to punish Australia for recognising Palestine.

The announcement followed a call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with Washington pushing Canberra to ramp up defence spending.

SAAC said: “This announcement indicates Labor will continue to act as the US deputy sheriff in the Asia-Pacific and support the rapid US-led drive for a disastrous war against China.

“The people of Henderson and surrounding areas of Boorloo/Perth and Fremantle have not been canvassed about hosting a nuclear facility in their neighbourhood.”

The group said that a “decision of this magnitude” demands robust public consultation and parliamentary oversight but had been “shrouded in secrecy,” warning it had ignored urgent social needs in favour of militarisation.