Defence Minister John Faulkner said he believes Australian troops will hand power to Afghan forces in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, within 'two to four years.'
He said that on the basis of solid progress, Australia hopes to transfer power to Afghan forces within that timeframe.
Faulkner said the objective there is 'training the fourth brigade of the Afghan national army up until the point when it can take over for security and stability'.
He stressed there is no 'precise' timeframe for good reasons - it depends on a number of factors including the 'conditions on the ground.'
Dutch withdrawal to go ISAF forces
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In Oruzgan province, the role previously performed by Dutch partners would soon be under a mulitnational effort under an ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) flag.
It will be 'more than' fulfilled by 'Combined Team Oruzgan' and Slovakian and Singaporean troops will continue their role there.
Australian civilian effort
An increased civilian effort from Australia was also announced.
"We will see some thirty civilians in Oruzgan, and some fifty in Afghanistan generally...We very much believe in the Obama strategy - this cannot be won by a military effort alone", Foreign Minister Stpehen Smith said.
Australia will take a new responsibility, providing a civilian head for the Oruzgan civilian reconstruction team.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said they hope the Dutch can continue a civilian presence in the province.
He said Australian force numbers will remain unchanged.
"The Dutch have been excellent partners and extremely helpful", said Faulkner.
"We have had no choice but to plan on the basis of the withdrawal.
The agreements had been agreed and endorsed by NATO, the minister said.
With reference to the injured Australian soldiers injured in a helicopter crash this week, Faulkner said there has been no substantial change to their condition - one in a serious condition, two listed in a very serious condition, and four satisfactory condition.
