The Australian government has issued over 186 visas to Afghan interpreters and former ADF staff since April, Foreign Minister Marise Payne tells Senate #QT
DFAT, Defence, Home Affairs are working together to "swiftly" to process visas, Payne adds. "This is absolutely a priority for the Aust govt supporting those locally engaged employees who have supported Aust's mission in Afghanistan, many of them have given an enormous amount" 
Senator @JacquiLambie asks about a former ADF Afghan staffer who's had his case rejected, now in hiding. "What kind of danger does he need to be in, in order for his life to be considered worth saving?"
Senator Payne says many factors are considered when assessing claims including identity, the accuracy of the claim of employment, risk to the individual
Senator @JacquiLambie "The world is watching how we treat our mates, what kind of message does it send to the rest of the world that when you work with the Australian government, you're taking your life into your own hands?"
Senator Payne says it's an issue being taken seriously: "There are a number of other locally engaged staff and families who applied for visas, they are in the process of being certified and being assessed, and then they will be assisted if they qualify under the regulation."
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