Houston rejects report of Afghan reduction

Defence chief Angus Houston has strongly rejected reports military planners are laying the groundwork for a withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The plans were being drawn up in response to US President Barack Obama's announcement the troop surge he began almost two years ago would now be drawn down, Fairfax reported on Saturday.
"The Australian Defence Force is not preparing plans, nor has it been directed to prepare plans, for a possible reduction in Australian troop numbers in Afghanistan in response to the drawdown announced by President Obama this week," Air Chief Marshal Houston said in a statement.
"No changes to our ADF force levels or campaign plans have or are being developed as a result of the US announcement."