Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the Government has committed a further 300 troops to the war in Iraq, in addition to the special forces and air force personnel already deployed,

(ii) this increase in troop numbers was announced by the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Key), rather than our own Prime Minister (Mr Abbott),

(iii) neither the Australian Parliament, nor the Australian people, were consulted about the major increase in Australian soldiers in Iraq, and

(iv) the latest polling from Essential Research shows That the majority of Australians disapprove of sending more Australian soldiers to Iraq; and

(b) calls on the Australian Government to:

(i) support legislation that enables the Parliament to decide when Australian troops are deployed overseas, and

(ii) outline the support framework it has in place to support both the mental and physical health needs of returning service men and women.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia's building partner capacity contingent will include around 300 ADF personnel. This is the total number of ground forces that will be deployed to Iraq, not a number in addition to existing forces there as has been stated incorrectly.

The safety and security of these personnel is of the utmost importance to this government and that is why a significant part of the Australian force will be dedicated to force protection, along with the training, command and support elements. ADF personnel will be operating behind the wire and will not be involved in direct combat operations, consistent with the existing deployment of Australian special forces in Iraq.

No government takes the decision to deploy Australian forces lightly, and the safety and security of our troops are paramount. Australia must continue to play a leadership role to promote international security and to protect civilians wherever possible.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Milne be agreed to.