Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, will attend an Anzac Day service in Queensland on Saturday morning, marking his first commemoration since being charged with war crimes. In a statement to the Guardian, Roberts-Smith described Anzac Day as "sacred to me and every other veteran" and expressed his intention to pay his respects.
Background of the Charges
Roberts-Smith faces five charges of murder, alleged to have occurred during his service with the SAS in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has vehemently denied all allegations, stating, "I categorically deny all of these allegations. I'm proud of my service in Afghanistan." He has been living in Queensland since being released on bail last week, with restrictions preventing him from leaving the state except for visits to New South Wales and Western Australia for medical and legal purposes.
Support and Controversy
The Returned and Services League (RSL) Australia confirmed that Roberts-Smith is welcome to attend any Anzac service as a veteran and community member. RSL national president Peter Tinley, himself an SAS veteran, emphasized that "the Anzac Spirit doesn't just live in history. It lives in the choices we make today, the way we treat each other, and the unity we show when we come together."
Meanwhile, a group whose founder describes himself as a "white nationalist" plans to hold a rally in support of Roberts-Smith in Melbourne on the day after Anzac Day. However, a spokesperson for Roberts-Smith clarified that neither he nor his family are involved in the rally, nor have they been consulted by the organizers. The group, the National Workers Alliance, previously disrupted an event by Liberal MP Tim Wilson.
The rally is also promoted by Fight for Australia, formerly March for Australia, which has staged anti-immigration rallies. The group has encouraged supporters to question the inclusion of Welcome to Country ceremonies in Anzac Day services, following an incident where a Bunurong elder was booed at the 2025 ceremony.
