Doorstop Interview, Perth

Subjects: Trooper Jason Brown.

E&OE

TONY ABBOTT:

I’m sorry to be here for this sad business but we are and on behalf of the Federal Opposition I wish to convey our deep sorrow and regret over the death in action of Trooper Jason Brown. Trooper Brown as I understand it has been killed by small arms fire of the enemy while in action in Afghanistan. On behalf of the Federal Opposition I convey our sympathy and condolences to his friends and family. As an SAS trooper I understand that he was based here in Perth, so obviously this death will hit Perth hard.

It’s tragic that we have now lost 18 Australian soldiers in combat operations in Afghanistan but it is very important that Afghanistan never again become a safe haven for terrorism. It’s important that Australia pull its weight in the world and the Opposition continues to fully and strongly support the Australian commitment to Afghanistan.

QUESTION:

Mr Abbott, you I think previously have talked about being guided by the Generals about when we may pull out of Afghanistan. At the Kabul Conference recently it was outlined that 2014 is the year that the coalition will probably pull out of Afghanistan. Are you able to commit to a time period for the coalition?

TONY ABBOTT:

I think the important thing is to achieve our mission. Our mission is to try to ensure that there is a stable government in Afghanistan and our mission is to try to ensure that the Afghan army in Oruzgan province is in a fit and proper state to maintain security there.

QUESTION:

Are you able to commit to a time period?

TONY ABBOTT:

The important thing is that we succeed in carrying out our mission.

QUESTION:

You’ve said in the past, Mr Abbott, that you think that maybe Australia could increase its troop commitment to Afghanistan. Do you still think that’s the case?

TONY ABBOTT:

I fully support the existing commitment to Afghanistan and in any future decisions about Afghanistan I would be very much guided by the advice of the Defence Chiefs. Thanks very much.

[ends]