AS THE death of another Australian soldier raised fresh questions about the war in Afghanistan, a Liberal MP has said it is time for Australia to consider withdrawing its forces.

But the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has told the Herald her government's decision to ''stay the course'' is reinforced by the views of the families of the slain.

Sapper Rowan Robinson ... was killed in Helmand province.

''As Prime Minister, I've gone to a lot of funerals, I've spoken to a lot of families, I really understand the cost,'' she said.

''One of the things that amazes me when I do speak to families who have lost a loved one, when I do go to the funerals, is often they say to me that we best honour the sacrifice that they've made, and their loved ones have made, by staying the journey and seeing the mission through.''