It’s been 20 years since the invasion of Iraq,which has now come up in question time.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie asked about the invasion,and how it was ignited on claims Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and was supporting al-Qaeda.
“Will you help prevent such unconscionable disasters in future by bringing Australia into line with other countries where declaring war is the prerogative of the parliament,not the prime minister?” he asked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said decisions about war and deployment are “among the most serious any government can make”.
“I would make clear my own view that parliamentarians should be given a chance to express their views following a cabinet decision to go to war,” Albanese said.
“We have referred the issue to an inquiry now being conducted by the joint standing committee on foreign affairs,defence and trade.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also spoke on the issue,reiterating Albanese’s tribute to those killed in the conflict.
“I want to support the word of the prime minister in regard to the support of our troops. There are decisions that governments make that aren’t agreed with or are supported depending on the circumstances in relation to committing troops to a conflict,” Dutton said.
“Today on the 20th anniversary,though,I want to pay respect to all of those men and women who wore the uniform of our country and represented us in our country’s name at the direction of the government of the day.”