One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has publicly declared her support for former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, calling him a person she respects and admires during a weekend rally in Brisbane. The event, held at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, drew about 100 supporters who gathered to show solidarity with the Victoria Cross recipient, who faces five charges of war crime murder in relation to alleged killings of unarmed civilians in Afghanistan. Hanson’s remarks have reignited debate over the treatment of military veterans and the legal process surrounding war crimes allegations.
Hanson’s Defense of a War Hero
Speaking to the crowd, Pauline Hanson described Roberts-Smith as a “war hero” and questioned the direction of the country under current legal standards. “Is this the country that I grew up in? Is this the country I want to hand on to my children and grandchildren?” she asked. The senator drew parallels between her own 2003 jailing for electoral fraud—later overturned—and Roberts-Smith’s prosecution, suggesting that those trained for combat should not be judged by civilians.
Hanson emphasized the difficulty of battlefield decisions: “These men and women are trained to fight, and a lot of the time to fight for their life. We don’t wear those shoes … the decisions they make at that time, we can’t judge them.” Her comments underscore a growing divide between those who view Roberts-Smith as a victim of legal overreach and those who insist on accountability for alleged war crimes.
The Rally and Its Organizers
The event was advertised as a community barbecue for “friends of Ben,” organized by Lawrence Henzell, who began selling T-shirts with messages of support after Roberts-Smith’s arrest in April. Henzell told the gathering, “I think right now we need to form an army of civilians and support this man.” He plans to organize more events, with profits from merchandise going into a trust set up in the former soldier’s name.
Supporters traveled from across Queensland to attend. Tammy Hickey, a community development organizer from Cunnamulla, rode over 12 hours on a bus to show her support. “My father fought in World War Two and he’d be horrified at what Ben’s being put through,” she said. “War’s war. My dad always said that war is war.”
Key Figures at the Rally
- Pauline Hanson – One Nation leader, vocal supporter of Roberts-Smith
- Lawrence Henzell – Event organizer and merchandise seller
- Tammy Hickey – Long-distance supporter from Cunnamulla
The Legal Context
Roberts-Smith was arrested in April and charged with five counts of war crime murder over allegations he killed unarmed civilians during his service with the Australian SAS in Afghanistan. He has categorically denied all allegations. The case has attracted international attention, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting military personnel for actions in combat zones. According to the Australian government, the Office of the Special Investigator continues to investigate allegations of war crimes by Australian defence forces.
Legal experts note that such prosecutions are rare and often controversial. The Brereton Report, released in 2020, found credible evidence of war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan, leading to multiple investigations. Roberts-Smith’s trial is expected to be a landmark case, testing the boundaries of military accountability and national sentiment.
Public Reaction and Division
The rally has sparked mixed reactions across Australia. Supporters view Roberts-Smith as a scapegoat for actions taken under extreme conditions, while critics argue that no one is above the law, even in wartime. Social media platforms have seen heated debates, with hashtags like #JusticeForBen and #WarCrimesAllegations trending. The event also drew counter-protesters, though they were not present in large numbers.
Polls indicate a polarized public, with many Australians expressing sympathy for veterans while also supporting thorough investigations. The case continues to evolve, with the next court hearing scheduled later this year.
FAQ Section
Who is Ben Roberts-Smith?
Ben Roberts-Smith is a former Australian Special Air Service Regiment soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honor. He is currently facing five charges of war crime murder related to alleged killings of unarmed civilians in Afghanistan.
What did Pauline Hanson say at the rally?
Pauline Hanson called Roberts-Smith a “war hero” and a person she respects and admires. She compared his prosecution to her own legal troubles and argued that civilians cannot judge the decisions made by soldiers in combat.
Why is this case controversial?
The case is controversial because it pits national pride in military service against the need for accountability for alleged war crimes. Supporters see Roberts-Smith as a victim of overzealous prosecution, while critics emphasize the importance of upholding international law.
