Difficult Days Ahead for Australia

FOR a national government there is no more important task than defending the nation, its people and their interests. In recent weeks, we as a nation have mourned the loss of six dedicated Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. We will not forget their service and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones. Australia remains engaged in a vital mission in Afghanistan. We are in Afghanistan because our national security is at stake. This is why our commitment to the mission in Afghanistan remains steadfast.