- Defence Minister Richard Marles announced changes
Senior military officers who oversaw Australian troop units accused of war crimes in Afghanistan are to be stripped of their medals and commendations.
Keeping the figures deliberately vague, Defence Minister Richard Marles said fewer than 10 people lost medals and awards.
He had previously sent letters to fewer than 15 people informing them of his decision to withdraw their honours. The senior officers were referred to him by a former chief of defence forces.
Mr Marles made the announcement during a speech detailing the government’s response to a report into alleged war crimes committed by Australian special forces troops in Afghanistan.
The Commonwealth had addressed the final recommendations within its remit, closing a significant chapter in Australia’s military history, he told parliament on Thursday.
An 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 of those who held command positions in the Special Air Service Regiment between 2008 and 2012.
Mr. Marles used this recommendation to make his decision on command responsibility.
Several senior Australian military officials will lose their medals following an investigation into alleged war crimes (file image)
“This will always be a source of national shame,” Marles said.
‘Service in our defence force has always been and always will be a deeply honourable calling and the fact that we have taken responsibility at this time allows Australia to continue to value this service, past and future.’
Appeal options are limited, but may be assessed through judicial review.
Criminal investigations are 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 have their medals and honours removed.
Of the 143 recommendations in the Brereton report, 139 have been addressed.
The remaining four remain in custody pending investigation by a special investigator.
The Minister’s response does not include stripping Ben Roberts-Smith of the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military honour.
The Federal Court found that Mr Roberts-Smith had committed war crimes, including murder, during his time 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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