Gillard to kick off Afghanistan debate

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will kick off the first full parliamentary debate on
Australia's role in Afghanistan on Tuesday by declaring the mission is in the
national interest.
In talks on forming a minority government after the federal election, Labor promised
the Australian Greens a debate on Afghanistan in which all members could speak
freely.
The Greens oppose the deployment of defence forces in Afghanistan and have called
for troops to be brought home, replaced by a greater contribution of civilian aid.
Ms Gillard made it a priority to visit troops in Afghanistan, and talk to the
country's president, Hamid Karzai, on her first overseas tour as prime minister.
The prime minister is expected to tell parliament on Tuesday afternoon the mission -
which currently involves 1550 Australian Defence Force personnel and 50 civilians in
Oruzgan province, Kabul and Kandahar - is critical to ensuring Afghanistan does not
again become a training ground and sponsor of terrorists.
Ms Gillard told the troops in Tarin Kowt on October 3: "We've lost too many lives in
terrorist attacks and what you are doing is making sure that this place does not
continue to be part of that cycle of terror that has taken the lives of so many
Australians."
She is also expected to reinforce the importance of Australian forces in training
the Afghan National Army for the long-term stability of the country.
And she will remind parliament of the sacrifice made by the 21 soldiers who have
lost their lives to date during the deployment.
The prime minister's speech will be followed by one from Opposition Leader Tony
Abbott, then other MPs will have a say from Wednesday.
Senators will get their chance to debate the issue next week.
The debate comes as public opinion remains divided on the deployment.
An Essential Media survey conducted earlier this month showed 49 per cent of people
want a troop withdrawal, with 24 per cent saying numbers should be maintained and 13
percent backing a boost in resources.
But support for a withdrawal had dropped from 61 per cent in June.
Furthering human rights in Afghanistan was rated as the best reason for staying,
followed by fighting terrorism.
A group of veterans, ex-service people, concerned families and friends of serving
soldiers and opponents of the Afghan war will protest outside Parliament House on
Tuesday afternoon.
Stand Fast spokesman Graeme Dunstan said he hoped MPs would meet with protesters
before the debate.
"We challenge Prime Minister Gillard to come and defend her widow-making
determination to 'stay the course in Afghanistan' in front of ex-soldiers," Mr
Dunstan said in a statement.



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