Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, has called for a parliamentary debate on Australia's continuing involvement in the war in Afghanistan.
The Greens have consistently maintained opposition to Australia's defence forces being deployed to Afghanistan, saying they should be retained for use within our region.
"We will always support Australia's defence force personnel in Afghanistan or wherever else they may be deployed by the government of the day," Senator Brown said.
"However, we oppose the government's decision, originally at the request of the Bush administration, to send Australians to Afghanistan. We advocate increased civil aid instead.
"The Bush administration made the calamitous mistake of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan for the invasion of Iraq and it is a not a mistake we believe Australian soldiers should be helping redress.
"It's time for a full parliamentary debate about Australia's involvement in the Afghan war."
Further information: Tim Hollo 0437 587 562