Chief of Army, Lieutenant-General David Morrison has praised the decision of both sides of politics to get behind the military, drawing a line under the divisions of last week when a senior officer was accused by Labor of engaging in a political cover-up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At a reception for 250 Darwin-based troops who served in Afghanistan, General Morrison tacitly acknowledged the gesture made by Labor leader Bill Shorten, who changed his plans at the last minute to attend the parade and reception.
''The Defence Force, the army, fights for Australia,'' he said.
''Having the two largest political parties represented by their leaders here today, is a great thing for not just the ADF but for the nation.''
Mr Shorten refused to be drawn on why he had previously elected to send a junior representative. In his address to troops, a visibly emotional Prime Minister Tony Abbott told them the nation was forever grateful, after a conflict that cost 40 Australian lives and left 260 seriously wounded.
''Australians don't fight to conquer; we fight to help, to build and to serve,'' Mr Abbott said. ''So yes, it was worth it. The price was high but the cause was great and the success has been sufficient.''
Speaking after the reception in the magnificent Northern Territory Parliament building, serviceman Blake Dobe said it was terrific to have the recognition from the community and from both sides of politics.
Mr Abbott used the celebration to announce a special national day of commemoration for the 30,000 Australian personnel who served in the Middle East theatre of war since 2001.
It will be held in just over a year on March 21, 2015.
