Albanese and Ley to decide members of ‘secret’ new committee set to scrutinise Aukus – but Greens excluded

No more than seven government MPs will be appointed but Greens and independents will not be included

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The Aukus nuclear submarine deal and Australia’s involvement in military conflicts will be considered by a secretive new committee of federal parliament, dubbed a “closed shop” by the Greens over plans to exclude minor parties and independents.

Labor and the Coalition are preparing to pass legislation to establish a joint House and Senate committee on defence as soon as Thursday, with a makeup mirroring the powerful parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security.