Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Faulkner. Can the minister inform the Senate of Australia’s role in Afghanistan in that nation’s run-up to their presidential elections? In particular, can the minister advise of the level of Australian Defence Force support, financial assistance and civilian observers of the elections?

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

I thank Senator Farrell for his question. The presidential and provincial council elections will be held, of course, on 20 August, which is this week, and they will be an important step for Afghanistan’s developing democracy. This is the first time that the Afghan authorities have taken responsibility for election security since the fall of the Taliban, and it demonstrates a growing capacity for self-governance. It is important that the elections are credible, secure and inclusive. Afghan authorities and the international community are working together to ensure that in fact is the case.

The Australian government is making a substantial contribution to support the elections including an infantry company of approximately 120 troops to assist the Afghan National Security Forces with election security; additional military airlift capacity to help provide logistic support during the course of the election; as well, $9 million in financial assistance to support the conduct of the elections including funding for election observers from regional countries; and a small team of three Australian civilian observers who will contribute to ensuring the polls are conducted properly.

I am concerned that the days ahead are going to see a continuing escalation of violence. Afghanistan is a dangerous environment and, of course, the election makes it more so. (Time expired)

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I thank the minister for his answer and ask a supplementary question. Outside Oruzgan province, what other role is Australia playing in the provincial and presidential elections? In particular, can the minister outline the role of Australians in the International Security Assistance Force’s election task force?

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

I thank Senator Farrell for his supplementary question. An Australian Army officer, Brigadier Damian Cantwell, is the chief of the election task force within the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force. He is overseeing a mentoring program for the Afghan National Army and Afghan national police, who will be providing the first and second lines of defence on election day. Brigadier Cantwell coordinates security efforts between Afghan authorities and the ISAF to ensure a comprehensive, synchronised and cooperative approach to security for the elections. We are aware of the increasing number of violent incidents against Afghan electoral officials, and campaigns over recent— (Time expired)

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Has the government factored in the contingency that there may not be a winner in the first round of the presidential elections and, if so, what does that mean for the Australian election support force?

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

If no candidate receives a majority in the first round of voting on Thursday, a run-off election will need to be held. If required this is likely to be held in early October. In the event that there is a run-off, our election support force will continue to provide security support. Afghan National Security Forces are responsible for providing security for the elections with international forces providing back-up support. Australian forces have been mentoring and supporting their Afghan counterparts in providing security for the elections. This includes training Afghan National Security Forces to actually provide security around the polling booths. (Time expired)