Veterans say Australia's Afghan visa failures disqualify it from UN Security Council seat

Military and police veterans have sent a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong denouncing Australia’s treatment of Afghans who assisted Australian forces. The letter highlights the recent denial of visas to three former UN humanitarian staff and persistent backlogs in the Afghan Locally Engaged Employee scheme, which they say leaves applicants vulnerable to Taliban retaliation. Led by former federal police officer Tony Murney, the group intends to inform all UN permanent representatives that these shortcomings undermine Australia’s credibility for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029-30 term.

They cite instances of capture, torture and ongoing moral injury among veterans. Seven MPs have already urged the Australian National Audit Office to review the visa program, while DFAT reports over 660 certifications have been completed and the scheme was closed in 2024. Critics argue the delays constitute a breach of Australia’s moral obligations to Afghans who risked their lives.