Labor is greatly relieved to hear the first evacuation flight carrying Australia citizens and visa holders has safely left Afghanistan.

We are grateful to the Australian Defence Force personnel carrying out this mission and to the officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Defence who have gone in to assist those on the ground.

We thank them all for their service and their bravery.

All Australians are united in hope that this operation is able to continue safely, with the successful evacuation of Australian citizens and visa holders who are seeking to leave – as well as all of those who have supported Australia’s mission and their families.

Labor will continue to seek updates from the Government as this operation unfolds.