Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has responded after Ben Roberts-Smith's partner labelled him a 'traitor' in a since-deleted social media comment. The controversy erupted when Hastie, a former SAS soldier, shared a photo on Instagram of himself and his young family attending an ANZAC Day service in Perth.
Hastie's Original Post
'Remembering the fallen, honouring our veterans and ADF, a responsibility for all Australians, young and old. Lest we forget,' Hastie captioned the image. In response, Sarah Matulin wrote: 'Yeah you're a traitor.'
Roberts-Smith's lawyer, Karen Espiner, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the comment 'was a mistake' and was not made with Roberts-Smith's knowledge.
Hastie's Response
Speaking on Sky News on Tuesday morning, Hastie remained guarded due to ongoing legal proceedings involving his former SAS colleague. The MP appeared as a witness in the Federal Court during Roberts-Smith's failed defamation case and said he may be called again.
'It is what it is, and I really have nothing to add to it. Life goes on,' Hastie said. 'I'm here with you this morning and keen to talk about more substantive issues.'
When pressed on whether he regretted anything said or done in relation to the case, Hastie gave a cautious response: 'I've been very careful about what I've said when I've had to give testimony, I've done it under oath, and again, that's all I have to say.'
'I'm just very cautious given that a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and a few other legal principles are at stake here. I appeared as a witness in the Federal Court in the civil case, and there's a possibility I may do so as well in the trial ahead, so I'm very cautious here.'
Asked whether he was disappointed or shocked by the comment, Hastie replied: 'Again, it is what it is. It's public life, and we just keep going. It's a new day - dawn here in Perth. I married really well. My wife loves me, my kids love me. In the end, family is what matters to me… that's what I take courage in.'
Warning on Online Rhetoric
Hastie also issued a broader warning about the dangers of inflamed rhetoric online. 'Social media is bringing out a lot of lies… an inclination towards violent language, which could be violent action in real time,' he said. 'People just need to dial it back.'
Background on Roberts-Smith Case
Roberts-Smith is alleged to have committed five counts of 'war crime - murder' while serving with the Special Air Service Regiment in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He is accused of shooting dead one unarmed detainee, taking part in the unlawful killing of another, and ordering subordinates to execute three more. Roberts-Smith has consistently denied the allegations.
It remains unclear whether Hastie will be called to give evidence during the NSW Supreme Court criminal trial. In a statement issued after Roberts-Smith's arrest, Hastie said: 'In 2022, I was one of 21 SAS veterans of the war in Afghanistan subpoenaed as a witness in the defamation action brought by Ben Roberts-Smith against Nine Media. I gave testimony under oath, as required by law. Mr Roberts-Smith is now facing criminal charges in relation to this operational mission, so it is possible that I will be called as a witness to this trial.'
He added: 'I urge every Australian to respect the rule of law, the criminal justice system, and the accused's right to a presumption of innocence and a fair trial. Therefore I will not prejudice this trial by making any further comment.'
