Senator Jacqui Lambie, along with the Australian SAS Association and RSL Australia, has expressed criticism towards the Australian government’s recent decision to strip war medals from Australian commanders. The move follows an inquiry into alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan. Lambie raised concerns about the timing of the decision and its potential impact on the mental health of Australian Defence Force veterans and officers.
The Defence Minister, Richard Marles, made the final call to revoke the citations of up to nine Australian commanders implicated in the Brereton war crimes inquiry. The exact identities and ranks of these individuals have been kept confidential to comply with privacy laws. Lambie described the timing of the decision as “absolutely atrocious,” especially coming shortly after the release of the final report on Veteran and Defence suicides.
Lambie emphasized the emotional toll on veterans who have already endured the scrutiny of the royal commission and are now witnessing their commanding officers losing their medals without facing legal consequences. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which was made public recently, highlighted systemic issues within Defence and the Department of Veterans Affairs contributing to high rates of suicide among veterans.
Marles acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasized the need to provide appropriate support to those affected. The decision to strip medals primarily targets commanders in the chain of command rather than individual soldiers accused of war crimes. Separate criminal investigations are ongoing to address direct allegations of misconduct.
The Brereton report, released in 2020, recommended that 19 soldiers be investigated for the alleged killing of prisoners and civilians in Afghanistan. Marles described these allegations as the most serious in Australian military history, causing national shame. The government has been working to address the recommendations outlined in the report.
Following the announcement, various groups, including the Australian Special Air Service Association (ASASA) and the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL), criticized Marles’ decision to revoke honorifics from Australian soldiers. ASASA expressed disappointment, stating that the move undermines the sacrifices made by those who served in Afghanistan. RSL emphasized the strain the situation has placed on veterans and called for medals not to be withdrawn until all investigations are concluded.
Support services, such as the Defence all-hours Support Line and Open Arms, are available for ADF members and their families facing mental health challenges. The controversy surrounding the stripping of war medals underscores the complex and sensitive nature of addressing alleged war crimes within the military and the impact on veterans’ well-being.
As the debate continues, the government faces scrutiny over its handling of the aftermath of the Brereton report and the implications for military personnel and their families. The need for transparency, accountability, and support for affected individuals remains paramount as Australia navigates the fallout from the inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
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