Labor supports the Governments announcement that Australia will increase its contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support training mission by 30 personnel. They will provide extra resources to the ADFs existing train, advise and assist mission, which provides support and expertise to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
Labor was briefed by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC, late yesterday and based on the information provided, we believe that Australias response to the request from NATO is appropriate given Afghanistan continues to be critical in the ongoing global fight against terrorism.
Support for Australias continuing role in the Middle East including both Iraq and Afghanistan has been bipartisan. Australia has a direct national interest in ensuring Afghanistan is not a safe haven for terrorists.
Together with our international partners, we need to continue to build the capacity of Iraq and Afghanistan to deal with the challenges that they face.