Canberra
Today I extend Australia's condolences to the nation and people of New Zealand, who have suffered another grievous loss in Afghanistan with the death of three brave soldiers in a bomb blast overnight.
This news is particularly painful coming just two weeks after the deaths of two New Zealand soldiers, and the wounding of six others, in the same province.
The thoughts of the Australian people are today with New Zealand, and in particular with the families who have lost loved ones and with the soldiers who have lost comrades.
New Zealand has made a significant contribution to ensuring Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for international terrorism.
As a valued partner of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), New Zealand is supporting Bamyan Province through the transition to Afghan security leadership.