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It was reported in the (UK) Sunday Times today that Rudd has signalled that he will also withdraw Aussie forces from Afghanistan. Is that accurate? I’d read beforehand that he may reinforce the Afghan Aussie presence with the troops from Iraq?

I don't believe it's accurate, but I can't say for certain, he hasn't said it somewhere. But what I've heard from Rudd is that he intends to boost Australia's presence in Afghanistan, rather than reduce it.

Labor supported the war in Afghanistan from the start. Even Mark Latham didn't oppose it when he was their leader. I really can't see Rudd changing that. Withdrawing troops, the ADF tells him are no longer needed, yes. But nothing else.

Slightly off topic. Will Rudd be less stringent with regards to Australia’s immigration policy? Do you think there may be some relaxation? I’m aware of controversies regarding holding centres and nava interception of immigrant vessels?

The policy of intercepting asylum seekers vessels and detaining them in immigration detention centres, was actually introduced by the last Labor government. The Howard government inherited that policy from them. And in broad terms, Labor still supports it.

But I suspect the 'Pacific Solution' where asylum seekers are detained off shore for processing will be ended, and they will instead be detained within Australia.