Observation
On 14 March 2023, the prime ministers of Australia and the United Kingdom and the president of the United States (AUKUS leaders) met in San Diego to announce the details of their plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
One month later in an April survey, the Lowy Institute Poll asked Australians whether they think the estimated cost of the plan, widely reported as between $268 billion and $368 billion, is worth paying for the additional capability nuclear-powered submarines provide. Almost half (47%) say they do not think the capability is worth the cost, while one-quarter (27%) say it is worth it. The same number (27%) are not sure.