Australia declines United States request to increase military commitment in Middle East
Australia has formally declined a request from the United States to increase its military commitment in the Middle East.
US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter asked all countries involved in the campaign to consider expanding their efforts in the face of a growing push to target Islamic State (IS) militants.
At the time, the Turnbull Government would not commit to the request, but noted Australia was already making the second largest contribution to military efforts in the region.
"The US has asked 40 or so other countries, including European countries, to consider expanded contributions to the coalition, following the attacks in Paris," a spokesman for Defence Minister Marise Payne said.
"Australia has considered the request from US Secretary of Defence, Ash Carter, in light of the substantial contributions we are already making to train Iraqi security forces and to the air campaign.
