Yesterday, The Australian reported on some unique polling that confirmed Australians had been changing into much less supportive of the AUKUS pact with the US and the UK.
The new figures confirmed “general Australian help for AUKUS has tumbled 15 factors from a web 33% in July to a web 18% in August”.
But what the story didn’t say was that the pollster behind the analysis, C|T Group, is a serious supporter of AUKUS that actively seeks to reap the benefits of the submarine pact for purchasers. Instead, C|T Group was described as “the primary pollsters for the Liberals and the British Tories till they pivoted in the direction of world enterprise in 2023”.
Part of that pivot in the direction of enterprise was geared toward cashing in on the “industrial alternatives” arising out of AUKUS.
On its web site, C|T Group has a devoted web page titled “AUKUS benefit”, the place it brags of its “unrivalled political, defence, industrial and intelligence networks, intensive campaigning expertise and a worldwide presence, together with workplaces in Australia, the UK, and the US”.
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On that web page, C|T Group advertises its companies to purchasers that wish to “acquire long-term enterprise benefits from the AUKUS framework”.
Those companies embrace “insights into key strategic positions, sector necessities, capabilities and procurement alternatives” and “pre-emptive market positioning to generate presence and early affect with decision-makers”.
As Crikey reported in 2023, C|T Group’s purchasers included General Dynamics, the lead contractor for developing the US Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
The agency’s managing director for Australia Catherine Douglas advised The Australian Labor may persuade extra voters to again AUKUS by explaining its financial advantages.
“Support for AUKUS has softened for the reason that deal was first introduced, however Australians are pure supporters of AUKUS when prompted on potential financial advantages, together with the way it may contribute to extra expert jobs and stronger onshore industrial capabilities,” she stated. “A renewed focus is required on how AUKUS can bolster each Australia’s nationwide safety and industrial competitiveness.”
A spokesperson for C|T Group declined to remark when reached by Crikey. The Australian and News Corp Australia didn’t reply to requests for remark.
