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Hastie concerned about Afghan interpreters

Daniel McCullochAAP
Andrew Hastie says the government is working to bring Afghan interpreters to safety in Australia.
Camera IconAndrew Hastie says the government is working to bring Afghan interpreters to safety in Australia. Credit: AAP

Assistant Defence Minister Andrew Hastie has expressed concerns about former Afghan interpreters who helped Australian soldiers at war.

Mr Hastie, who was deployed to Afghanistan as an SAS captain, said the government was working to bring the interpreters to safety.

"Afghanistan is a really tough place," he told the ABC on Tuesday.

"As we've seen there is a lot of attacks still going on and yes, of course I am concerned about those people who have helped the Australian government do its work there.

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"Decisions are being considered and will be made in due course."

At least 300 interpreters are seeking protection in Australia as allied troops prepare to depart Afghanistan.

Time is of the essence, with some of the interpreters placed on Taliban kill lists.

Labor senator Raff Ciccone said visas for all Afghan staff must be fast-tracked.

He said Australia's pace stood in stark contrast to the US, UK and other coalition allies who had evacuated thousands of Afghan staff to safety ahead of widespread troop withdrawals.

"Australia has a duty of care to these Afghan nationals who were vital to the Australian government operations over 20 years," Senator Ciccone said.

"In many cases, these interpreters wore Australian uniforms and helped keep our troops and diplomats safe, at great risk to themselves."

Scott Morrison has previously suggested Afghan interpreters who helped Australian troops were highly likely to be evacuated and offered protection.

But the prime minister has been careful in commenting on how long the process could take, fearful it might put the interpreters at risk of persecution.

The last Australian troops will depart Afghanistan by September, following America's decision to end the war before the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

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