Essential Report
Troops in Afghanistan
Q. Thinking about the Australian troops in Afghanistan, do you think Australia should –
25 Oct 10 | 21 Mar 11 | Total | Vote Labor | Vote Lib/Nat | Vote Greens | |
Increase the number of troops in Afghanistan | 10% | 5% | 6% | 4% | 8% | 1% |
Keep the same number of troops in Afghanistan | 30% | 30% | 36% | 37% | 43% | 25% |
Withdraw our troops from Afghanistan | 47% | 56% | 48% | 49% | 41% | 65% |
Don’t know | 14% | 9% | 11% | 10% | 8% | 9% |
42% think that the Australian troops in Afghanistan should be increased or maintained and 48% think Australia should withdraw its troops. This is a significant drop (-8%) in support for withdrawal since this question was last asked in March.

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