Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09CANBERRA293
2009-03-24 04:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Canberra
Cable title:
AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SUPPORT WANES ON AFGHANISTAN
how-toVZCZCXRO7731 OO RUEHDBU RUEHPW DE RUEHBY #0293 0830417 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 240417Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY CANBERRA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1251 INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0770 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L CANBERRA 000293
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SUPPORT WANES ON AFGHANISTAN
Classified By: Political Counselor James F. Cole for reasons 1.4(b)(d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L CANBERRA 000293
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SUPPORT WANES ON AFGHANISTAN
Classified By: Political Counselor James F. Cole for reasons 1.4(b)(d)
1. (U) In a Newspoll conducted March 20-22, 2009, 65 percent
of Australians do not support sending more Australian troops
if asked by the U.S. Current results show a steady decline
in support for Australian troops in Afghanistan from a high
of 66 percent of voters in favor of sending troops in the
initial 2001 poll. Poll results were predictably split along
political party lines, with 65 percent of left-leaning Labor
voters opposed to troop increases vice 55 percent of voters
from the Liberal and other parties who have traditionally
supported troop increases. Liberal Party leaders, while
claiming to not make partisan politics over Aghanistan as
Labor did over Iraq, called on PM Rudd to provide Australians
with a "full explanation of the strategic reasoning for any
expansion of their mission".
2. (C/NF) COMMENT: The latest poll results - a dramatic
decline from the 2001 poll and likened to the downward trend
of public support seen for Iraq - puts additional pressure on
the Rudd government to redefine Australia's strategic intent
in Afghanistan. The decline in public support follows two
recent fatalities within the past week, bringing Australia's
total combat losses to ten. PM Rudd's continuing high
popularity with the voters puts him a good position to commit
additional resources, however. End comment.
RICHE
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SUPPORT WANES ON AFGHANISTAN
Classified By: Political Counselor James F. Cole for reasons 1.4(b)(d)
1. (U) In a Newspoll conducted March 20-22, 2009, 65 percent
of Australians do not support sending more Australian troops
if asked by the U.S. Current results show a steady decline
in support for Australian troops in Afghanistan from a high
of 66 percent of voters in favor of sending troops in the
initial 2001 poll. Poll results were predictably split along
political party lines, with 65 percent of left-leaning Labor
voters opposed to troop increases vice 55 percent of voters
from the Liberal and other parties who have traditionally
supported troop increases. Liberal Party leaders, while
claiming to not make partisan politics over Aghanistan as
Labor did over Iraq, called on PM Rudd to provide Australians
with a "full explanation of the strategic reasoning for any
expansion of their mission".
2. (C/NF) COMMENT: The latest poll results - a dramatic
decline from the 2001 poll and likened to the downward trend
of public support seen for Iraq - puts additional pressure on
the Rudd government to redefine Australia's strategic intent
in Afghanistan. The decline in public support follows two
recent fatalities within the past week, bringing Australia's
total combat losses to ten. PM Rudd's continuing high
popularity with the voters puts him a good position to commit
additional resources, however. End comment.
RICHE