The former prime minister is addressing the press club where he is talking about what he believes Australia needs to do when it comes to the US.

This is a bit of a victory lap for Turnbull who has been a critic of Aukus from the beginning because of the impact to Australia’s sovereignty. Turnbull was among the first voices to raise questions about how much control Australia would have over any submarines it may receive under the deal (he is also doubtful we will get any) and what that would mean for Australia’s own decision making in conflicts.

He was pretty much ignored, but with the Trump administration showing exactly what American foreign policy is like when the mask is off, suddenly, everyone wants to hear from Turnbull. And he is happy to oblige.

If the big parties won’t face reality, it may be that Australians will need the crossbench, assuming they have the balance of power, to demand a thorough and urgent assessment of the state of the AUKUS submarine project, a rigorous analysis of the risks and a clear assessment of the measures and alternative options available to address those risks. Hope is not a strategy. It’s better described at danger’s comforter, a solace for those who have already lost. We need a plan B. And not one where the B stands for blindness, as in wilful blindness.