Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has honoured Australian troops who served in Afghanistan, marking the 25th anniversary of the country's involvement in the conflict. Speaking at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday, Mr Albanese described the troops' heroism as a fight for "who we are as a people".
Hundreds of veterans, family members, and dignitaries attended the commemoration. Among those present was Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, who denies allegations of war crimes. Former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott, and Scott Morrison also attended, alongside Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.
Mr Albanese reflected on the start of Operation Slipper, stating that Australia went to support an ally after the September 11 attacks. Over two decades, more than 35,000 defence force members were deployed. Deployments to the Middle East continued until the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Some 47 Australian personnel died and 263 were wounded during their service.
Services were also held at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney's Hyde Park, Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, and other locations across Australia.