Don’t mention the war

Kim Beazley was immediately gagged by the Government when he moved that the Minister for Foreign Affairs apologise to the Australian people for sending Australian troops to Iraq. This is more than "Be alert, not alarmed" stuff from the Government.

The Prime Minister warned his troops in the party room yesterday to be wary of Labor’s new attack over Iraq as support for a continued Australian military presence in the country continues to wane.

As soon as the House of Representatives sat this morning, Kimbo got up and moved:

Mr Beazley (Leader of the Opposition), 9:01:18 AM, moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition moving forthwith: That this House requires the Minister for Foreign Affairs to immediately apologise to the Australian people for:

1. sending Australian troops to the wrong war in Iraq;

2. making Australia a bigger target for terrorists;

3. constantly shifting the goal posts on our troops; and

4. turning a blind eye while Australian money bought bullets fired on our troops.

He was immediately gagged by the Government.

This is more than “Be alert, not alarmed” stuff from the Government. Their catchphrase is clearly “Don’t mention the war”.