Ben Roberts-Smith resigns from Seven after defamation case loss
Former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from his job a day after claims he was defamed in articles alleging he was a war criminal were dismissed in court.
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Former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from his role as general manager of Seven Queensland a day after losing his war crimes defamation case.
An email, sent to Seven West Media staff on Friday afternoon, confirmed he is standing down from the role, which he’s held since 2015.
“Ben has been on leave whilst the case was running, and today has offered his resignation, which we have accepted,” Seven West managing director and chief executive officer James Warburton said in the email.
“We thank Ben for his commitment to Seven and wish him all the best.”
Friday’s announcement comes one day since a Federal Court judge ruled against Mr Roberts-Smith in a long-running defamation case.
Mr Roberts-Smith had alleged a number of 2018 articles published by The Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times — painted him as a war criminal.
But Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko threw the case out on Thursday, finding most of the allegations were true.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia’s defence reputation remains “extraordinarily strong,” despite the ruling.
Speaking from Singapore, Mr Albanese wouldn’t comment on the details of a civil matter not involving the government “given the potential that is there for future action that the government might be a party to.”
However, he added his government is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Bereton Inquiry — the four-year probe into alleged war crimes committed at the hands of ADF soldiers in Afghanistan.
“We have indicated very clearly that we would take up that responsibility,” Mr Albanese says.
“Australia’s international standing is extraordinarily strong including the standing of our defence forces and our defence personnel.”
In the wake of the ruling, the Australian War Memorial says it is now considering adding “additional content and context” alongside items on display belonging to Ben Roberts-Smith.
AWM Chair Kim Beazley said in a statement “the Memorial acknowledges the gravity of the decision … and its broader impact on all involved in the Australian community.”
A uniform and medals belonging to the Victoria Cross recipient — as well as a large painting — are on display at the war memorial in Canberra.
“We are considering carefully the additional content and context to be included in these displays,” Mr Beazley said.
“The Memorial acknowledges Afghanistan veterans and their families who may be affected at this time.”
Meanwhile, it’s estimated Seven West owner Kerry Stokes has tipped in about $25m to help the 44-year-old in his legal battle.
In a statement following the ruling on Thursday, Mr Stokes said it “does not accord with the man I know.”
“I know this will be particularly hard for Ben, who has always maintained his innocence.
“That his fellow soldiers have disagreed with each other, this outcome will be the source of additional grief.
“I haven’t had a chance to have a discussion with Ben as yet, but I will when he has had a chance to fully absorb the judgment.”
Mr Roberts-Smith held the deputy general manager position at Seven Queensland before becoming deputy manager in 2015 with the retirement of Neil Mooney.
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Originally published as Ben Roberts-Smith resigns from Seven after defamation case loss
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