Our military is airlifting humanitarian supplies to various groups of people.

Our government said “yes” to America’s request for military assistance - flying weapons from Eastern Europe into Kurdistan, northern Iraq. RAAF and SAS personnel will be involved.

PM Abbott said, “Should we be asked, we would want to look at any request in the light of achievable objectives, a clear role for Australian forces, a full risk assessment and an overall humanitarian objective.” Defence Minister Johnston asserted that a stable and inclusive government in Baghdad was a prerequisite for our assistance.

So I ask our government: What are those achievable objectives? What is the scope of our role – what’s in, what’s out? What risks are we accepting; what risks are too high? What costs are too high? What humanitarian objective are we achieving by delivering lethal weapons to a sub-group of Iraqis? When did the Iraqi government become either stable or inclusive? At what point do we say, “Enough”?

And I ask the Opposition: How can you not demand answers to these questions before committing more Australian blood and treasure?

J. Bamberger,

O'Connor ACT.