Special forces waiting for approval before entering Iraq

Two hundred Australian special forces ground troops are still waiting for the legal paper work to be finalized before they can enter Iraq and begin operations against ISIL.

They will be based at battalion headquarters, advising and assisting Iraqi forces.

Defence Minister David Johnston said the special forces will build up the confidence of Iraqi troops.

The government has put the cost at half a billion dollars a year, leaving a budget hole which could be filled by tax increases.

“They could drop their expensive, unfair and extravagant paid parental leave scheme,” Labor MP Chris Bowen said.

The Prime Minister’s office has said the definite cost of the war is not known.