First Nations leader Karina Lester cites her father's painful survival of nuclear testing as a poignant reason for joining former Environment Minister Peter Garrett in a crowd-funded review of Australia's biggest defence deal, AUKUS.

"As a second-generation survivor of the 1953 British nuclear tests at Emu Field, I urge all our mobs who have been tested on, mined on, threatened with nuclear waste dumps or fear the impacts on our people, country and culture to find your voices and speak up strong in this public inquiry," Ms Lester, a proud Yankunytjatjara woman, said.

The independent inquiry into the $368 billion deal will hold public hearings, with a report due in October.

Ms Lester joins Mr Garrett, former defence chief Admiral Chris Barrie, ex-WA Premier Carmen Lawrence, and Australia Institute co-CEO Leanne Minshull on the panel.

The Morrison government unveiled the AUKUS deal in September 2021, partnering with the United States and United Kingdom.

Billed as a historic security pact, AUKUS would give Australia nuclear-powered submarines for the first time, replacing the ageing Collins-class fleet and scrapping the French submarine contract.

At the outset, the three countries had yet to decide how Australia would acquire the submarines.

The Albanese government announced the so-called 'optimal pathway' in March 2023.

Australia planned to buy at least three US Virginia-class submarines from the early 2030s, before moving to build a new class of British-designed, Australian-built SSN-AUKUS submarines.

However that plan has shifted again.

Australia had been set to receive a mix of second-hand and new Virginia-class submarines from the US, including at least one new vessel.

After talks in Singapore last week between Defence Minister Richard Marles and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australia confirmed it will instead buy three second-hand, in-service Virginia-class submarines.

Mr Marles defended the change, arguing it will simplify the transition, cut complexity, and deliver significant savings.

He said the overall cost of the program will not change dramatically.

The government insists the broader AUKUS plan remains on track, including the scheduled rotation of US and UK nuclear-powered submarines through HMAS Stirling in Western Australia from 2027.

Ms Lester believes the inquiry will dig into the cost to taxpayers, nuclear waste storage, and the impact on Australia's relationship with China.

Ms Lester told National Indigenous Times she is very concerned about the potential environmental damage from nuclear waste if not stored properly.

She urged First Nations Australians to participate in the inquiry to help answer the many unresolved questions surrounding the deal.

"Please consider making a submission to the inquiry or giving evidence at the upcoming public hearings," she said.

National Indigenous Times contacted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles for comment.