Senators return with better understanding of ADF role in Afghanistan

Three Australian senators are home after a fact-finding mission to Afghanistan.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson talks to Australian troops during a visit to Afghanistan as part of the 2018 Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program. Picture: ADF

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Labor senator Kimberley Kitching have returned to Aus­tralia after a parliamentary visit to Afghanistan where they met Australian troops and received military briefings.

Decked out in army camouflage and protective armour, the senators, along with NSW senator Brian Burston, were part of the 2018 Australian Defence Force parliamentary program.

Senator Hanson inspected a Bushmaster armoured vehicle and Chinook military helicopter during her visit.

Pauline Hanson equipped for her journey into Afghanistan. Picture: ADF

The senators received briefings on the security situation and took a three-day intensive training course (including how to handle firearms) before flying into Kabul.

Australia has about 300 ADF members in Afghanistan as part of the train, advise and assist mission to help the Afghan National Army.

There are growing fears Islamic State may gain a foothold in the country, with Senator Hanson arguing for Australian troops to remain engaged or risk the “tentacles” of Islamic extremism spreading “throughout the world”.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson talks to Australian troops as part of the 2018 Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program. Picture: ADF