Raz Mohammad risked his life to work as an interpreter for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Afghanistan for many years.
He was targeted by the Taliban because of his work on at least three occasions.
"I nearly lost my life a few times," Mr Mohammad said.
"But the intent was clear — to help ADF and the rest of the international forces to rebuild our country and help the people of Afghanistan."
Australia is sending troops and aircraft to Kabul to evacuate Australians and some Afghans who assisted the ADF.
The ABC understands around 300 to 400 locally engaged employees will be evacuated out of Kabul alongside Australian citizens and their families if the government's rescue mission goes to plan.
But on Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded the government would not be able to help all Afghans who worked with and supported the ADF.
Mr Morrison said he understood many Australian veterans were concerned about the safety of the locals they had worked with.
"We will continue to do everything we can for those who have stood with us, as we have to this day," he said.
"But I want to talk openly to veterans that despite our best efforts, I know that support won't reach all that it should.
"On the ground, events have overtaken many efforts, we wish it were different."
Mr Mohammad described the Prime Minister's comments as heartbreaking.
"The response from the Prime Minister was really shocking to me and the rest of the interpreters in Australia and overseas," he said.
"It was quite heartbreaking for us and the entire community here in Australia and overseas."
Mr Mohammad, who moved to Australia in 2014, said he had been in contact with interpreters he used to work with in Afghanistan.
"They were heartbroken as well, particularly with the situation unfolding overseas right now," he said.
"I think the government is not trying hard enough.
"If they try hard enough, deploy more resources in this, more money, the goal we have is definitely achievable, they can definitely save lives."
Calls for humanitarian visa package
Mr Mohammad urged the federal government to increase the number of humanitarian visas offered to Afghan citizens who are at risk.
"Those who have worked with ADF and their family and extended family members, and those who are still stuck behind, they really fear for their lives," he said.
"They try to hide anywhere they can to make sure they don't fall into the hands of the Taliban and terrorist organisations.
"The recent contact I had with them, they say that they have seen dead bodies every morning that they get up."
He urged the Prime Minister to follow the lead of countries such as Canada, which has offered to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghans.
"We have to learn something from Canada, they opened their arms," he said.
"We have to learn from the United States, from England and some of the other countries, they have offered this support and offered visa packages for Afghan citizens who are at risk."
Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the government was considering the humanitarian visa options for prominent women and Afghan civil servants who feared for their safety.
