Afghanistan exit on track, says Gillard

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the transition of military control to Afghan troops is progressing and on track.

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed Australia's exit from the war in Afghanistan is on track but warned that extra troops and resources may be needed as part of the transition process.

In her annual statement on the war effort to parliament this morning, Ms Gillard has also warned of extra pressures on services and support groups in Australia as a new generation of young combat veterans returns home in coming years.

Ms Gillard said efforts were still in line with her previous advice in April when she said transition in the Oruzgan province would take 12 to 18 months and most troops would return home by the end of next year.

Under the strategy, Afghan forces would take charge of their own security by late 2014.

Ms Gillard said the transition began in July and three of the five tranches of Afghan provinces and districts had begun transition, adding that the government was doing all it could to stop the recent surge of insider attacks from Afghan forces.

"We can and should conclude that today, across Afghanistan, the process of transition is on track,'' she said.

"Our progress since 2009  our plans through to 2014 and beyond  should give Australians cause for measured confidence and resolve.''

But Ms Gillard warned additional troops and resources may be needed to complete the final phases of the transition and that there may be set backs along the way.

"As we begin detailed planning for its final phases, which of course remain some time off, it is likely that we will identify the need for some additional personnel and resources to complete those final phases of practical extraction and repatriation,'' she said.

"There will be difficult days ahead, setbacks in the transition process, days when our resolve will be tested.''

Australia currently has about 1550 troops in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said Australia would also contribute to a new NATO-led mission after 2014 training, advising and assisting Afghan forces, including through the Afghan National Army Officer Academy.

As she previously advised, Australia may contribute a limited Special Forces contribution as well under certain conditions.

"Beyond 2014, Australia will still have a national interest in denying international terrorism a safe haven in Afghanistan,'' she said.

The latest update to parliament comes after the loss of seven Australian diggers in the past year in Afghanistan, taking the total death toll for the decade-long war to 39.

Ms Gillard said the next decade would see the most young combat veterans live in our communities since the 1970s.

"This is demanding changes in the way the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs care for service personnel and veterans,'' she said.

"Organisations such as Legacy and the RSL have performed nearly a century of service to care for those to whom we owe so much  that invaluable work goes on.

"Every Australian should know  you can lend a hand.  Give generously, buy a badge, visit, volunteer.

"Respect for our soldiers and veterans is precious: say g'day, say thanks.''

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Prime Minister Julia Gillard says beating insider attacks is the major challenge in progressing with a planned military transition.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard meets with Australian Defence Force personnel for a BBQ lunch during her visit to the Multi-National Base in Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan. Picture: Alex Ellinghausen

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