PM on bombshell war crimes report

Scott Morrison says a bombshell report has uncovered allegations of “disturbing” and criminal conduct committed by Aussie soldiers.

Australia will appoint a special investigator to prosecute allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan.

Scott Morrison made the announcement on Thursday ahead of a report into the conduct of Australian Special Forces soldiers in Afghanistan between 2005-2016 being released next week.

“Given the likely allegations of serious and possibly criminal misconduct, the matters raised in the inquiry must be assessed, investigated and where allegations are substantiated, prosecuted in court,” Mr Morrison said.

“To undertake this role, the government is establishing the Office of the Special Investigator … (which) will address the criminal matters made in the Inspector General’s report and investigate those allegations, gather evidence and, where appropriate, refer briefs to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration.

“This will be difficult and hard news for Australians, I can assure you, to hear.”

Scott Morrison laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial on Wednesday on Remembrance Day. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

The Prime Minister said the allegations did not reflect on all of the Australian Defence Force.

“I am also very keen to stress, there is some disturbing conduct here, but we cannot then take that and apply it to everyone who has pulled on a uniform and if we did this, that would be grossly unjust, grossly unjust,” Mr Morrison said.

“I know that wouldn’t be the view of people here or in government or anywhere else. We all share a deep respect for our defence forces, but we also share a deep respect for justice. It is about managing those two issues to the highest standards I think we place on them in Australia.”

The prime minister declined to discuss specific findings included in the report.

He said the government believed the new office would mitigate against the possibility that some Australian soldiers could be called before an international criminal court.

“We need to deal with this as Australians … through our own justice processes, and we will, and I think that will say a lot about Australia,” Mr Morrison said.

“All of our partners must be assured and those around the world who rightly hold the Australian Defence Force in high regard.

“I believe by the process we are outlining to you today shows why that is the case, that in Australia with deal with this tough and with deal with it honestly.”

Defence Force chief General Angus Campbell is considering the findings in the Afghanistan inquiry report. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

The findings of the probe into whether Australian Special Forces soldiers committed war crimes in Afghanistan between 2005-2016 are also expected to shine a light on the conduct of decorated former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith.

The Victoria Cross recipient has denied any wrongdoing.

The inquiry was conducted in private due to the operational security risk and potential harm to the reputation of individuals.

Defence Force chief General Angus Campbell received the report last week and has since briefed Defence Minister Linda Reynolds on the report.

He is expected to speak publicly about the findings next week.

Senator Reynolds said the government was committed to ensuring current and former ADF members and their families affected by the inquiry had access to support.

“This includes a very comprehensive package of legal, psychological, medical, pastoral care and social work support,” Senator Reynolds said.

A panel will also be established to oversee the Defence Department’s response to the inquiry.

The new Office of the Special Investigator is expected to be fully established within the Department of Home Affairs next year and will remain in place for as long as necessary to resolve matters from the inquiry.

The intelligence and defence communities are reported to be readying for a potential response from Australia’s enemies, which are expected to seize on any findings of wrongdoing and use it for propaganda and recruitment purposes.