Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is directed to Senator Faulkner, the Minister for Defence. Can the minister advise the Senate on the outcomes of the NATO defence ministers meeting held in Bratislava? Also, what approaches are the ISAF nations considering as a result of General McChrystal’s review?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Abetz interjecting—

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Chris Evans interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! It is disorderly to be debating across the chamber when I am waiting to call the minister to answer the question.

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am pleased to report to the Senate that the ISAF defence ministers meeting in Bratislava was an important opportunity to review developments in Afghanistan and, of course, represent Australia’s interests. Discussions covered Commander ISAF General Stanley McChrystal’s assessment of the campaign, the need to support the ongoing growth and development of the Afghan national security forces and the importance of complementing our military efforts with civil assistance and governance improvements at all levels.

I reiterated Australia’s commitment in Afghanistan and emphasised our focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Army 4th Brigade in Oruzgan province so that they are able to take responsibility for the security and stability of the province. I would like to take this opportunity to endorse NATO Secretary General Rasmussen’s comments that:

… transition cannot be solely military and that, in addition to a strong army and police, Afghanistan needs a credible government taking active, visible steps to show that it is cleaning up corruption, improving efficiency and delivering services to the people effectively.

The coalition is focused on developing an approach that integrates military, political and governance strategies to achieve sustained security and stability.

Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Thank you, Minister. I note in your answer to the primary question you referred to our operation in Oruzgan province. Given reports that the NATO defence ministers have considered General McChrystal’s assessment, can you inform the Senate whether this has resulted in any changes to our approach within Oruzgan province?

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Forshaw for that supplementary question. I am pleased to advise that ISAF defence ministers did broadly support General McChrystal’s overall counterinsurgency approach. Important decisions in response to General McChrystal’s assessment are yet to be taken, as I am sure senators are aware, by the US administration and other ISAF partners. It is, I think, proper that we allow that to take the necessary time. What I can say is that I certainly welcome the rigour of General McChrystal’s analysis, with its focus on protecting the civilian population and training the Afghan national security forces. These features of General McChrystal’s analysis are strongly reflected in the approach that Australian forces are taking in Oruzgan, working side by side with their colleagues in the Afghan national armed forces. (Time expired)

Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I have a further supplementary question. I ask the minister: have any further decisions been made in relation to the proposed Dutch withdrawal and their relinquishment of leadership in Oruzgan Province, anticipated in August 2010?

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Certainly as I understand it, a final decision by the Dutch government on the type of commitment that they intend to maintain after 2010 is yet to be made. Needless to say, Australia enjoys an excellent relationship with the Netherlands. Today, as I have done in the past, I commend them for the outstanding job they have done. We would very much like to see the Dutch continue their valuable role, and I took the opportunity to make this point to my Dutch counterpart, Minister Middelkoop. That decision is in the hands of the Netherlands government, as every senator would understand. I can say that I took the opportunity to strongly emphasise to NATO the importance of appropriate leadership arrangements being in place in the event of the anticipated Dutch drawdown of forces in 2010. (Time expired)