Australia's war policy criticised (original) (raw)
A roll call of Australia's military and diplomatic establishment yesterday attacked the country's foreign policy on Iraq and on terrorism, labelling it deceptive and dangerous.
The group of 43 former officials warned that the policies of John Howard's government had undermined democracy, increased the risk of terrorist attacks, and made Australia a target.
"It is wrong and dangerous for our elected representatives to mislead the Australian people," the statement read.
"If we cannot trust the word of our government, Australia cannot expect it to be trusted by others. Without that trust, the democratic structure of our society will be undermined and with it our standing and influence in the world."
Signatories are drawn from across the political spectrum and from all sectors of defence and foreign policy. Three are former ambassadors to Baghdad.
The statement comes within months of an Australian federal election expected by the end of November.The government has held two inquiries into the handling of intelligence before the war.