Did Britain build cruisers without discussing Australian requirements with the Royal Australian Navy?
Short answerThere was discussion, but Australian funding decisions changed often, so Britain built ships for itself and transferred suitable cruisers when Australia was ready to purchase them.
NotesThe Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy discussed future construction, but Australian governments repeatedly changed what they were willing to fund. Britain could begin a class for its own service and later transfer a suitable ship when Australia decided to buy. The Royal Navy then redirected its programme toward newer Town-class cruisers. Transfers depended on both Australian purchasing decisions and the hulls already available.