The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, today announced that a parliamentary debate will be held on Afghanistan in the next sitting fortnight
The Prime Minister said she believed it was important that all Australians understood the critical mission in Afghanistan.
This debate will provide an opportunity to fully explain the Government's ongoing support for the current International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
The debate will commence in the House of Representatives on Tuesday 19 October with a statement by the Prime Minister, followed by a reply by the Opposition Leader.
Debate in the Senate will begin the following week following the completion of Senate Estimates.
The full Parliamentary debate on Afghanistan will fulfil a commitment made by the Government in its agreement with the Greens.