Adam Bandt MP
Federal Member for Melbourne
6 December 2012
The House of Representatives divided today on a Greens motion to set a date for the safe return of Australian troops from Afghanistan.
This is the first time the House of Representatives has voted on the deployment of troops in Afghanistan. Liberal Mal Washer crossed the floor to call a division and vote for Mr Bandt's motion.
"This war has been going on for longer than the First and Second World War combined. It is time for our troops to come home," Mr Bandt said.
"There is nothing to be gained from the continued deployment. We owe it to the troops and their family to ensure they do not remain in Afghanistan any longer."
"It is disappointing the old parties voted to continue to keep our troops in harm's way, but I am satisfied that we gave the House for the first time an opportunity to vote on the issue."
Mr Bandt's Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill would require Parliamentary approval of overseas deployment of the Australian Defence Forces.
The motion
That this House calls on the Government to set a date for the safe return of Australian troops from Afghanistan.