ADF took Afghanistan from 'dreadful' enemy
Thousands turn out in Brisbane to say thankyou to serving Australians. Photo: Kim Skubris
Australia's military has given Afghanistan the chance to take back their country from a "dreadful enemy", federal Treasurer Joe Hockey says.
Speaking in Sydney at a ceremony to commemorate the end of Australia's war effort in Afghanistan, Mr Hockey said the ADF's role in the war-torn country "has been extremely important to Australians and the people of Afghanistan".
"You have given a proud nation the ability to defend themselves and take back control of their lives," Mr Hockey told thousands of assembled ADF personnel.
"You have given Afghanistan the chance to take back their country and their destiny from a dreadful enemy, an enemy without honour, without mercy, without hope and without humanity.
"You leave behind not only many memories but physical reminders such as girls schools, roads, bridges, hospitals, which would not be there but for your efforts."
The ceremony, in Sydney's Hyde Park, is part of nationwide commemorations to mark the end of Operation Slipper, as the Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan was known.
The operation began in October 2001 and concluded at the end of 2014.
Around 35,000 defence, civilian and federal police personnel took part in the operation.
Mr Hockey was representing Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the ceremony.
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ADF took Afghanistan from 'dreadful' enemy