FED:Bipartisan backing for Afghan war debate

08-26-2010
FED:Bipartisan backing for Afghan war debate

Nine years after it first began .. federal politicians look set to have a say about
Australia's mission in Afghanistan following bipartisan backing for a parliamentary debate
on the war.

Labor and the coalition have given a tentative green light to the idea as Australians
mourn the loss of the 21st digger since the nation went to war in the aftermath of the
September 11 terrorist attacks.

Lance Corporal JARED MACKINNEY is the latest fatality .. one of 10 Australian soldiers
to have died in Afghanistan this year.

Less than a week ago Privates GRANT KIRBY and TOMAS DALE were killed in a roadside bomb blast.

Outgoing Defence Minister JOHN FAULKNER .. who will retire from the ministry once the
election outcome is known .. believes a debate is the right approach for the nation.

AAP RTV so/sb/wz/af

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST FEDERAL (CANBERRA)

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