Veterans to keep honours

DECORATED special forces soldiers who served in Afghanistan will keep respected citations handed out to celebrated units if they are not implicated in or convicted of alleged war crimes.

New Defence Minister Peter Dutton exerted his authority, effectively overriding an earlier ruling from the chief of the Defence Force, Angus Campbell, who stripped citations from more than 3000 special forces soldiers in the wake of the Brereton inquiry, which revealed shocking allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers.

Herbert MP and Afghanistan veteran Phillip Thompson applauded the decision, describing Mr Dutton as “different” to other leaders and ready to make “tough decisions” quickly.

The decision, which comes just a week before Anzac Day, will mean individual soldiers will retain Meritorious Unit Citations — which are awarded to units that demonstrate sustained outstanding service in warlike conditions — unless they are convicted in a court of law or slapped with administrative punishments.

“All Australians are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” Mr Thompson said.

“Anything in the Brereton report is an allegation, no one has been found guilty, so we will not be collectively punishing people based on allegations.

“Minister Dutton said only two weeks ago that we have the ADF’S back, and we do — this is a decision that really echoes this sentiment.”

A source told the Bulletin the decision from the newly appointed defence minister came with “strong support” from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.