Decision on ADF Medals Linked to War Crimes to Be Announced Before Election
Sky News
Earlier this week, the Ministry for Defence confirmed that a decision regarding the fate of those accused of war crimes in Afghanistan would be made “before the election” and “soon.” Although the date for the next federal election remains unconfirmed, it is anticipated to occur before May of next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles affirmed that a decision on whether to strip medals from Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel would be made prior to the upcoming election. This announcement follows the 2020 Brereton inquiry’s findings, which investigated alleged war crimes committed by ADF members during the Afghanistan war between 2005 and 2016.
Former Chief of the ADF, Angus Campbell, had previously informed current and former ADF members that honours for distinguished and conspicuous service in warlike operations might be rescinded.
“I will be making the decision before the election; I can tell you that. I’ll be making that decision soon,” Deputy PM Marles stated in an interview with Sky News on July 28.
He clarified, “Just to be clear, this is a decision not in relation to the person (Ben Roberts-Smith) that you mentioned, but in relation to those who had command authority. That is a process that I’ve wanted to go through thoroughly to make sure that we get the answers to this right.”
Marles emphasized the thoroughness of the review process, saying, “It is one that has been on my desk and we’ve been going through in an enormous amount of detail, but it won’t be long before we are able to make those decisions and certainly, they’ll be made before the election.”
DPM Marles – how about investigating why your responsible Minister made a decision in October 2023 NOT to make a decision for thousands of Vietnam veterans because he thinks it’s unlawful for him to do so. We have consistently asked the Minister what law is he referring to and the Minister consistently refuses to respond.
Yes, DPM you were made aware of the situation when awarding the RVCM to a constituent in your electorate last week. The recipient advised you of the campaign and you just nodded and smiled. Not a good look.
Whether or not that Marles decides to strip medals from the people in command or not, the issue remains that they have been denied natural justice. Is this yet another attempt to divide the veterans? The level of “command” does not matter in this issue, the soldiers/commanders have yet to be charged and found guilty by any properly constituted court, and that court should be convened by veterans of any war in which Australians fought. If this includes combatants who are now civilians, all to the good.
Until governments have the courage to commit the so-called “war criminals” to a court, and soon, justice is being denied them and their families who have been innocent victims of the whole bloody thing.
This Marles has never served in the ADF never had a real job and that wanker Cambell wants to retain his medal. I am a Vietnam vet, and this goes to the heart of all who have served and their loved ones, this useless bunch have to go