THE Coalition has proposed a major expansion of Australia's military role in Afghanistan, saying the nation should send in hundreds more troops as well as tanks, helicopters and artillery.

Setting the scene for heated debate in the new Parliament over the war, the Coalition says a boosted force in Afghanistan would mean Australian troops no longer have to rely on protection from other nations as they train Afghan troops.

Illustration: Ron Tandberg

The proposal follows claims that a soldier killed in Oruzgan province last month, Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, would not have died if Australian troops had been provided with adequate artillery and air support.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston said claims that the government and the military had failed to provide troops with adequate support were "probably the most damaging and serious allegations that could be levelled in a conflict such as this".