Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, has expressed confusion over the arrest of Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith on war crime charges, as high-profile figures rally behind the former SAS soldier. Roberts-Smith was arrested in Sydney on Tuesday and charged with five counts of murder related to alleged offences in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He is yet to enter a plea but is expected to defend the charges.
Rinehart issued a statement questioning the justification for prosecuting veterans, noting the cost of over $300 million spent on investigations. She called for compassion for Roberts-Smith and his family, emphasising the hardships of war. The mining billionaire also highlighted concerns about defence force morale and recruitment, echoing sentiments from the late Brigadier George Mansford.
Support for Roberts-Smith has emerged along political lines, with conservative figures including former prime minister Tony Abbott voicing sympathy. Abbott said special forces soldiers fought bravely and should not be judged by civilian standards. Opposition leader Angus Taylor declined to comment directly, but shadow ministers Michael McCormack and Phillip Thompson suggested a smear campaign and questioned the assessment of combat decisions.
National party leader Matt Canavan expressed discomfort in judging someone who served, while acknowledging the need for high standards. The case has also drawn international attention, with Elon Musk calling the situation 'insane' in a social media post. A petition for a pardon for Roberts-Smith gained thousands of new signatures following his arrest.
