Australian War Memorial Faces Mounting Pressure Over Ben Roberts-Smith Display
The Australian War Memorial is facing intense scrutiny and divided public opinion over its decision to maintain the display of Ben Roberts-Smith's memorabilia in the Hall of Valour. This controversy follows the former SAS corporal being charged with serious war crimes related to alleged incidents in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
Historians Label Memorial's Stance as 'Disgraceful'
Several prominent historians have strongly criticized the Memorial's refusal to remove Roberts-Smith's uniform and equipment from the prestigious Hall of Valour. Michael McKernan, a senior lecturer in Australian history at the University of New South Wales and former deputy director of the museum, described the continued display as "ludicrous" and an "utter disgrace."
"You cannot leave it there. He is now charged with five murders. Let's get real – that's not good," McKernan told the Sydney Morning Herald. "He has every right to be considered innocent until found guilty, but the full bench of the Federal Court of Australia upheld that, on the balance of civil probability, he is a war criminal."
Memorial's Response and Review Process
A spokesperson for the Australian War Memorial confirmed to Daily Mail that Roberts-Smith's memorabilia, including his medals, would remain in place in the Hall of Valour, which honors recipients of the Victoria Cross. However, the institution acknowledged the need for updated interpretation.
"The Memorial acknowledges media reports of the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith," the spokesperson stated. "Accordingly, the Memorial will review the wording of the interpretive panel associated with his display. The display of his uniform, equipment and medals remains in place. The Memorial will continue to monitor developments and consider updates as appropriate."
This comes after a panel next to the display was found to incorrectly state that the soldier "has not been charged with any offence under criminal law."
Alternative Proposals from Historians
Peter Stanley, a professor at UNSW Canberra and former principal historian at the Memorial, proposed a compromise solution rather than complete removal. "My position is clear and simple. The Roberts-Smith display should be moved out of the Hall of Valour into the Afghanistan gallery, so his story can be portrayed as one of the tragic consequences of Australia's involvement," Professor Stanley explained.
He emphasized that the Memorial should not function as a shrine to heroes but rather tell Australia's military history honestly. "I disagree with calls to remove the display. The Memorial shouldn't be a shrine to heroes - it should tell Australia's story honestly, and Roberts-Smith is a part of it. Removing the display would conceal the fact of his conduct."
Public Opinion Deeply Divided
The Australian public has expressed sharply contrasting views on the controversy through social media platforms. Many Australians have defended the Memorial's decision to maintain the display, citing legal principles and historical accuracy.
"The uniform and the display in general should stay, regardless of the charges and the outcome. If, and it's a big If, he's found guilty, it should remain with amended information," one person commented on X.
Another supporter wrote: "There is such a thing as the presumption of innocence in Australia…or there was." A third added: "Whatever he allegedly did on other occasions does not change the fact that he did an act worthy of winning the VC. The two facts do not cancel each other out."
However, others have aligned with the historians' position. "The Australian War Memorial still has this commemoration of alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith on display. When is the Australian War Memorial going to take it down as it's an absolute travesty," one critic posted on X.
Legal and Political Context
The controversy follows Roberts-Smith's loss of a landmark civil defamation case in June 2023 against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Canberra Times. The Federal Court found that the news outlets had established the "substantial truth" of several serious allegations to a civil standard, effectively branding him a war criminal.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh clarified the government's limited role in the matter. "It is the job of the Australian War Memorial to tell the full story of war and conflict, including displays that may be controversial or provoke disagreement and debate," he stated, noting that the Memorial's curators and governing council were responsible for display decisions and the government had "no power" to change them.
Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated soldier, has maintained his innocence throughout these proceedings. His defamation case was bankrolled by businessman Kerry Stokes, who also chaired the Memorial between 2015 and 2022.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Dr. Brianna Chesser, an associate professor in criminology and justice, highlighted the practical difficulties in prosecuting the war crimes case. "Practically locating and compelling witnesses to give evidence is going to be difficult and there will likely be no access to crime scenes or to the remains of the (alleged) victims," she told Daily Mail this week.
The Australian War Memorial now faces the complex task of balancing historical accuracy, legal principles, and public sentiment as it navigates this highly charged controversy surrounding one of the nation's most controversial military figures.
