- Defense Secretary Richard Marles announced changes
Senior military officers who led units of Australian troops accused of war crimes in Afghanistan are to be stripped of their medals and awards.
Defense Minister Richard Marles kept the numbers deliberately vague, but said fewer than 10 people lost a medal or award.
He previously sent letters to fewer than 15 people advising them of his decision on whether their honour would be stripped. The senior officers were referred to him by a former chief of defence.
Mr Marles made the announcement during a speech outlining the government’s response to a report into alleged war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.
The Commonwealth had addressed the latest recommendations within its powers, closing an important chapter in Australia’s military history, he told parliament on Thursday.
The investigation into Australian special forces found credible evidence of 39 killings of Afghan civilians and prisoners between 2005 and 2016.
Researcher Paul Brereton recommended a review of the awards and decorations awarded to the Special Air Service Regiment commanders between 2008 and 2012.
Mr Marles used this recommendation in his decision on the command’s accountability.
A number of senior Australian military personnel are stripped of their medals following an investigation into alleged war crimes (stock image)
“This will always remain a national disgrace,” Marles said.
‘Service in our Armed Forces is and remains a most honourable calling. Holding ourselves accountable at this time enables Australia to continue to cherish this service, past and future.’
The options for appeal are limited, but can be assessed through judicial review.
A criminal investigation is still ongoing and one man has been charged with murder.
A compensation scheme has been set up for Afghan families of civilians killed or injured during Australian operations.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced that up to nine Australian Defence Force commanders will lose their medals and awards.
Of the 143 recommendations in the Brereton report, 139 have been implemented.
The remaining four remain in custody pending investigation by a special investigator.
The minister does not respond by stripping Ben Roberts-Smith of the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military award.
The federal court found that Mr Roberts-Smith committed war crimes, including murder, while in Afghanistan.
The war veteran maintains his innocence and has appealed the ruling, which arose from a failed defamation case against Nine Entertainment.
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