Andrew Wilkie Condemns Political Interventions in Ben Roberts-Smith War Crimes Case
The recent arrest and charging of Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated war hero, has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has voiced strong criticism against what he describes as "grotesque and entirely inappropriate" interventions by public figures before the legal proceedings have even commenced.
Presumption of Innocence Versus Political Grandstanding
While Roberts-Smith enjoys the presumption of innocence under Australian law and has vigorously defended himself in civil proceedings, Wilkie argues that certain political figures have crossed ethical boundaries. "Since Roberts-Smith's arrest we've seen from some in public life an entirely inappropriate intervention," Wilkie stated. "In my opinion they are wrong to excuse the alleged conduct."
The MP specifically called out Senator Pauline Hanson for what he termed "bizarre" pledges of steadfast support for Roberts-Smith. Wilkie questioned whether Hanson truly understands the complexity of the legal issues at stake, including the rule of law and separation of powers, or whether she is simply engaging in political posturing to attract votes from conservative parties.
High-Profile Defenders and Their Questionable Arguments
Wilkie also addressed interventions from other prominent figures, including mining magnate Gina Rinehart and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Rinehart has expressed incomprehension at Roberts-Smith's prosecution, citing concerns about costs and Australian Defence Force morale. Abbott has spoken effusively about special forces soldiers while seemingly shifting blame from individuals to systemic issues.
"Seems to me she fails to properly consider the impact of any deterioration of the high standards the ADF is held to," Wilkie said of Rinehart's position. "We don't protect our soldiers by brushing aside or papering over alleged atrocities."
The Military Context and Australian Standards
As a former soldier himself, Wilkie acknowledges the challenging nature of battlefield decisions and the dangerous environments soldiers face. However, he emphasizes that Australia has rightly prided itself on the integrity of its armed forces, which have maintained a global reputation as a humane and disciplined military.
"The ADF has long had a global reputation as a humane and disciplined force," Wilkie noted. "Acceptable behavior and rules of engagement are drilled into its members from day one." He highlighted that special forces applicants undergo rigorous selection processes designed to ensure only the most proficient, intelligent, and grounded individuals are accepted.
The Danger of Lowering Standards
Wilkie warned against the dangerous precedent that would be set by ignoring credible allegations of war crimes. "To paraphrase the former chief of the defence force Lt Gen David Morrison and Gen David Hurley before him, the standard we walk past is the standard we accept," he stated.
The MP pointed to international examples where impunity has led to concerning outcomes, suggesting Australia should hold itself to higher standards. "We need only look to the current regimes in the United States, Israel, and Iran, to see the endpoint of such impunity," Wilkie argued.
The Fundamental Importance of Rule of Law
At the core of Wilkie's argument is the principle that the rule of law must prevail, even in matters involving military conduct. "The rule of law matters, which is one of the honourable things setting us apart from many of those we wage war against," he emphasized.
While acknowledging that the soldier's experience is incomprehensible to civilians, Wilkie maintains that legal standards must be upheld. The case against Roberts-Smith represents a critical test of Australia's commitment to these principles, with implications far beyond any single individual.
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