I just got through reading this and I have to say, it is something I wholeheartedly support. While many of us take being an Aussie for granted day in and day out, there are still many who fight, and risk much, for that privelige.

Visas for Diggers' offsiders IRAQIS who have worked alongside Diggers in the war-battered country will be offered resettlement visas to live in Australia. The offer to so-called locally engaged employees was made yesterday by Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon and Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans out of concern for the safety of the Iraqis, many of whom worked as interpreters. It follows the announcement of the withdrawal by mid-year of the 515-strong Overwatch Battle Group from al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces - a key policy pledge of the Rudd Government. "Anti-coalition forces have deliberately targeted individuals working with Australian troops and their partners in southern Iraq," Mr Fitzgibbon said last night. "In response, the Australian Government will adopt a new visa policy to enable the permanent resettlement in Australia of locally engaged employees (LEEs) and their families at risk because of their engagement with the Australian Government." The policy is similar to one offered to South Vietnamese who helped Australian forces during the Vietnam War. It is expected that up to 600 visas will be granted to former Iraqi employees and their families. Visas will be offered first to those deemed to be at the greatest risk following the withdrawal of the Australian troops from the south of the country. These Iraqis had repeatedly shown their commitment to Australia's security and reconstruction operations in Iraq, Mr Fitzgibbon said. Senator Evans said the LEEs and their families would be granted permanent humanitarian visas after undergoing strict health, character and national security checks.

AC