Oz seems to go out of it's way with the Liberals to make terrible decisions.
Look at what 'should' have been the objectives of this whole submarine business
1. dump a deal which you made yourself - but, you think it's a lemon - so, you want to get out of it --------- fair enough objective
2. If you feel there's a real threat - from China and your trading routes to china so you can trade with china (yeah, we know the logic of that one) -- then, yes - if you 'insist on subs' - then, you need a replacement for the deal you are about to pull the pin on.
So - there'd be two ways of doing that ---------
Option 1. Cancel the French contract. Buy Japanese subs off the shelf AND if you wish - do a secret deal with the USA and whoever else for some sort of military pact.
Result - you might upset the Frogs for a bit. You get your subs (cheaper). You get a military closer tie. You don't piss off your biggest customer - not much, if at all.
Option 2. You cancel the French contract. You go into a military pact openly and publicly with the USA and whoever - basically saying that China is the enemy.
Result - you might upset the Frogs for a bit. You get your subs (more expensive ). You get a military closer tie. You totally piss off your biggest customer - confirming to them that you consider them the enemy.
Why, in the name of god, would you choose option 2?????????????
