Air strikes overshadow Australian election

John Howard (3rd left) is leading the opinion polls

The launch of US-led air strikes against Afghanistan is overshadowing the start of Australia's general election campaign.

Prime Minister John Howard has committed Australian ground troops to the military operation, if needed. The opposition Labor Party is backing the government's position.

We need to stand beside the Americans

John Howard

Mr Howard delayed an election speech on Monday to repeat his support for the US campaign against Afghanistan's ruling Taleban.

The prime minister, who is hoping to win a third term in next month's election, has experienced a huge rise in popularity in recent weeks, boosted by public approval for his support for the US and the government's tough stance on asylum seekers.

Analysts say the military action could work further in the government's favour as people are more likely to play safe and stick with what is familiar.

"With Australia now involved in the war, everyone's concentrating on that and I think a lot of people will support Howard because he's being strong," said one voter, Mary Joseph.

Unity of opinion

As well as ground troops, Mr Howard has said Australia will send long-range refuelling and reconnaissance craft to the region.

Kim Beazley: Still campaigning

"What happened in America on 11 September was absolutely outrageous by the standards of the civilised world," he said. "We can't have the luxury of saying it is America's burden to carry alone.

"We need to stand beside the Americans and that's why I have offered Australian involvement and Australian assistance."

Opposition Labor leader Kim Beazley has backed Mr Howard's decision.

"The Labor Party and the [ruling] Liberal Party are as one in supporting the activities of our allies," he said.

However the centre-left leader has also been struggling to get people's attention over the launch of his party's health and social policies.

"It is not difficult in an election campaign to pursue two focuses ... security abroad and security at home," he said.

Immigration

But even before the air strikes started, Mr Howard's government was winning popularity over its hardline stance on immigration in which it has been turning away boatloads of asylum seekers trying to reach its shores.

On Sunday, the Australian navy stopped a boat carrying about 200 mainly Iraqi asylum seekers, as it entered Australian waters about 200km (120 miles) from Christmas Island off the north-west coast.

Officials said some refugees were throwing children off the boat to force the navy to rescue them - comments seized on by the prime minister.

"I don't want in Australia anyone who would throw their own children into the sea and I don't think any Australian does," said Mr Howard.