Cabinet papers reveal that in 2005, Australian Defence and Foreign Affairs ministers advised Prime Minister John Howard against returning special forces to Afghanistan, citing risks and diplomatic concerns. Despite this, the national security committee approved a deployment that ultimately saw 3000 SAS personnel undertake 20 rotations over 16 years, costing $8.4 billion and 41 lives. Ministers had recommended a modest contribution of 50 soldiers instead. The decision shifted after increasing pressure from the US and UK for Australia to support the NATO-led efforts.
