PM ‘respects’ accused VC hero
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison says he has enormous respect for Australia’s most decorated former soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, but will let an investigation into alleged war crimes run its course.
Federal police have reportedly launched a major investigation into Mr Roberts- Smith and other Australian soldiers over allegations of war crimes committed in Afghanistan.
Mr Roberts-Smith denies the allegations and has received the public backing of Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson and its chairman Kerry Stokes.
“I absolutely, like all Australians, respect the enormous contribution that Ben RobertsSmith has made to his country, as I do for all Australian ser- vicemen and women,” Mr Morrison said yesterday.
“Where there are formal processes that are under way then I’ll respect those processes, as I’m sure all Australians would.”
A spokesperson has confirmed the AFP is investigating “allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers during the Afghanistan conflict.”
“The AFP has accepted the matters for investigation,” the spokesperson said.
“As this investigation is ongoing, the AFP will not confirm or deny the specific incidents or the identity of those subject to the investigation.”
Australia Defence Association’s Neil James said his organisation had full confidence in the integrity of Justice Paul Brereton’s inquiry.
“A referral from the inquiry to the AFP doesn’t necessarily imply the incident happened or anyone is guilty,” he said.
“Generally speaking, people are better off having their day in court otherwise journalists pursue these allegations forever.”