The vacuum left in Afghanistan by exiting Dutch troops must be filled urgently, Defence Minister John Faulkner said as he called on newly re-elected President Hamid Karzai to tackle corruption.
The Dutch are leading the allied forces, including Australians, in the troubled southern province of Oruzgan but will leave in August 2010.
Speaking in Washington, after meeting with his US counterpart Robert Gates, Senator Faulkner declared the coming withdrawal a major issue for Australia.
"It's urgent from Australia's perspective, it's critical that it's resolved, that Australia will not and cannot take the leadership in Oruzgan," he told reporters.
Australia has about 1,550 troops in Oruzgan, where their aim is to boost the capabilities of the fourth brigade of the Afghan Army.
In recent times Senator Faulkner has hinted that this might be the final role for Diggers in the war-torn nation.
"It's no easy task, it's certainly going to take some time," he said.
"That is the task, that is the objective that the government has set itself, and that is the objective and the task that the government is committed to."
The re-election of Mr Karzai has been tainted by allegations of ballot box stuffing and other forms of corruption.
Senator Faulkner said the election had come up in his discussions with Mr Gates.
There are "high expectations in relation to Mr Karzai to ensure that he lifts his game in these important areas of good process and good governance".
The comments came as Senator Faulkner appeared to baulk at sending any more troops, even as US President Barack Obama considers a troop increase of 40,000.
"I've certainly indicated to those I've spoken to here in the United States over the last couple of days, this number is right," Senator Faulkner told the ABC.
"There is a very clear understanding and appreciation of the fact that Australia increased the number of troops to Afghanistan very significantly on April 29 this year," Senator Faulkner said.
"It's also, I think, well understood that Australia uniquely has responsibilities in its own area of the world."
Eleven Australian soldiers have been killed in the war.
Forces across the mountainous country are facing a difficult few months, with winter setting in and the Taliban heading for hideouts high in the ranges.
