Acknowledgement
1.1
At the outset of this report, the committee wishes to acknowledge the outstanding work of the late Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (FADT) References Committee, Senator Kimberley Kitching. Committee members are deeply shocked and saddened at her tragic passing, and wish to express their condolences to Senator Kitching’s family, friends and staff.
1.2
Committee members also wish to express gratitude for Senator Kitching’s tenacity, commitment and collegiality in relation to FADT committee matters. Senator Kitching played a significant role as FADT References Chair, including overseeing this inquiry and the production of this report right up until the final draft prepared for the Committee’s consideration. Following her sudden passing, other committee members have taken over the last phase of the inquiry to present this final report to the Senate.
Referral and conduct of the inquiry
1.3
On 26 August 2021, the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee (the committee) for inquiry with an interim report by 29 November 2021 and final report by the first sitting week in February 2022:
(a)
Australia’s twenty-year military, diplomatic and development engagement in Afghanistan, with reference to:
(i)
our success in achieving the Australian Governments’ stated objectives;
(ii)
the collapse of the Afghan government and Afghan National Army, and the Taliban’s resurgence and takeover of Kabul, following the withdrawal of coalition troops from Afghanistan; and
(iii)
the costs of Australia’s engagement in Afghanistan.
(b)
The adequacy of Australia’s preparation for withdrawal from Afghanistan, including:
(i)
closure of the embassy;
(ii)
the evacuation of Australian citizens, permanent residents and visa holders; and
(iii)
decisions relating to evacuation of at risk Afghan nationals and partners and family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
(c)
How the Australian Government should respond to recent developments in Afghanistan in order to:
(i)
protect Australia’s national security;
(ii)
prevent or mitigate damage to Australia’s international reputation, if necessary;
(iii)
extend immediate mental health support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans while the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide remains ongoing; and
(iv)
protect Australian citizens, visa holders, and Afghan nationals who supported Australian forces, where they remain in Afghanistan.
1.4
After receiving an extension of time in relation to its interim report, the committee presented a substantial interim report for the inquiry on 21 January 2022. The interim report made eight recommendations, to which the government has not yet provided a formal response. The reporting date for the committee’s final report was subsequently extended until 5 April 2022.
1.5
Following the release of the committee’s interim report, which covered in extensive detail matters relating to Australia’s engagement in, and withdrawal from Afghanistan, the committee has decided to focus on several specific matters for this final report that relate to Australia’s ongoing dealings with Afghanistan and support for those in Australia impacted by the conflict in the country.
1.6
The committee wrote to organisations and individuals in December 2021 advising them of the proposed timeline for the interim report and inviting further written submissions by 21 January 2022, focussing on the following matters:
updates on Australia’s humanitarian visa intake from Afghanistan and visa processing issues;
the capacity, suitability and delivery of settlement programs and support services for Afghans who have arrived in Australia;
updates on the situation on the ground in Afghanistan since the committee’s initial round of evidence-taking for its interim report, including issues relating to the funding and delivery of humanitarian assistance; and
updates on the wellbeing of Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans since the tabling of the interim report.
1.7
The committee continued to receive submissions after the closing date. The committee received a total of 17 submissions, with ten original submissions and seven supplementary submissions, during this phase of the inquiry. Public submissions received are listed at Appendix 1.
1.8
The committee held one public hearing in Canberra and via videoconference on 2 February 2022. A list of witnesses who gave evidence at the public hearings is available at Appendix 2. Submissions and the Hansard transcripts of evidence may be accessed through the committee website.
1.9
The committee thanks the individuals and organisations who provided submissions and participated in the committee's hearing.
Structure of the report
1.10
This final report consists of the following chapters:
Chapter 1 contains information on the referral and conduct of the inquiry;
Chapter 2 outlines the current political, security and human rights situation in Afghanistan, as well as information on Australia’s diplomatic engagement;
Chapter 3 provides an update on the humanitarian and economic crises facing Afghanistan, including the delivery of aid, as well as Australia’s humanitarian response and aid contributions;
Chapter 4 is an update on visa programs and processing issues, including the number of Australian citizens, permanent residents and visa holders in Afghanistan, and those who have left the country and arrived in Australia;
Chapter 5 details the capacity, suitability and delivery of settlement programs and support services for Afghans who have arrived in Australia;
Chapter 6 provides updates on the ADF and veterans’ support services and well being; and
Chapter 7 details the committee’s conclusions and recommendations.