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

I have had discussions with both Minister Smith and the Prime Minister, who indicate that the morale of Australian troops in Afghanistan is very strong and that they remain very committed to the task at hand. I have attended many farewells for Australian troops being deployed overseas to Iraq, the Middle East more generally and Afghanistan, and it is always the case that, while the troops are committed and positive about their task despite the dangers, their parents, wives, husbands, children and families generally are highly apprehensive and seriously concerned and often wish that they were not undertaking that mission. That is the nature of families who care for their sons and daughters. It is a perfectly human emotion. Our troops remain highly motivated, highly professional and highly committed to getting the job done, and that is the important thing. (Time expired)