The Government has previously said it expected Australian troops to be in Afghanistan for another three to five years. (Defence Force: Corporal Hamish Paterson )

 

The Opposition has accused the Government of wanting to "run down" Australia's troop presence in Afghanistan.

 

Defence Minister John Faulkner says he is in talks to get Australian troops out of Afghanistan "in the shortest timeframe possible" after completing training of an Afghan National Army brigade.

 

The Government has previously said it expected the troops to be in Afghanistan for another three to five years.

 

During Senate Estimates today Opposition Senator Russell Trood quizzed Senator Faulkner over his comments.

 

"At precisely the same time the [US] commander there is seeking an increase in the American force, the Australian Government is actually reiterating its determination and anxiety to run down the Australian commitment in Afghanistan," he said.

 

"That seems to me to be inconsistent with the obligations we have taken there."

 

Senator Faulkner, who is leaving for a NATO meeting on Afghanistan later today, says the Government is not seeking to "whittle away" at the number of troops deployed but he does not want them in Afghanistan for any longer than is necessary.

 

"We have an objective, we've set ourselves an objective, we intend to meet that objective," he said.

 

"But at all times we need to make assessments about how we can best meet that objective.

 

"I want to see that objective, as I'm sure every member of this committee and Parliament would agree, in the shortest timeframe possible."

 

Last month the US commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, warned that US and coalition troops were losing ground in the war and extra troops were needed.

 

By Online parliamentary correspondent Emma Rodgers