Statement by the Australian Special Air Service Association

Statement by the Australian Special Air Service Association

MEDIA STATEMENT

Special Air Service Association of Australia Regarding the Arrest and Criminal Charges laid against Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG

For Immediate Release.

The Special Air Service Association of Australia acknowledges the arrest of former Special Air Service Regiment soldier Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG and the announcement that formal criminal charges relating to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan are to be pursued.

This development marks a significant transition from years of public commentary, administrative inquiry and civil litigation into the criminal justice system. It is therefore appropriate to restate principles the Association has consistently maintained throughout this long and painful period.

Natural Justice must prevail.

Criminal proceedings are fundamentally different from civil defamation cases, administrative inquiries or media reporting. Defamation proceedings concern reputation; criminal proceedings determine guilt or innocence to the highest legal standard known to our justice system. An arrest or charge does not constitute guilt. Every accused person is entitled to the presumption of innocence, a fair trial and due process under law.

This principle applies without qualification for Ben Roberts-Smith. The Association reiterates that it has never sought to shield wrongdoing. Rather, it has consistently advocated for lawful, timely and fair processes, free from presumption, political influence or trial by media. Allegations of this gravity must be tested in properly constituted courts, on admissible evidence, and according to law—not by public accusation.

Accountability must be comprehensive and honest.

Australia sent its soldiers to Afghanistan as a matter of national policy. These men were recruited, trained, equipped, deployed and repeatedly redeployed by governments and senior military leadership. Decisions concerning force design, mission focus, rotation cycles, command structures, rules of engagement and operational tempo were made far above the level of individual patrols.

The Association’s message is that this moment must not be allowed to redefine the honourable service of thousands who served lawfully and professionally in Afghanistan. Australia is strong enough to uphold the rule of law without dismantling trust in its institutions or diminishing the legacy of an entire generation of soldiers. The vast majority of SAS and ADF personnel served under extraordinarily complex and demanding conditions shaped by decisions made at many levels of government and military leadership.

If criminal responsibility is pursued, then institutional, command, and political accountability must also be brought fully to light. Justice that focuses exclusively on individuals at the tactical edge, while ignoring those who designed, directed and sustained the conflict, is incomplete and risks distorting the truth of what occurred.

The Association exists to support its members and their families.

The SAS Association of Australia exists for the welfare and support of its members—past and present— and their families. This includes those who are accused, those who may be called upon to give evidence, and those whose service has been indirectly drawn into these proceedings.

The human toll of this process is profound. Families have carried the weight of uncertainty, public scrutiny and personal distress for many years. Partners, children, parents and comrades are all affected when allegations of this gravity are aired and prolonged. The Association will continue to provide support, compassion and advocacy for all affected members of our community.

The Association supports all members involved in the legal process.

Some members may be required to give evidence, potentially against former comrades, while others must defend themselves against grave allegations. These realities are deeply confronting for a close and enduring community.

The Association’s position is clear: support for due process, respect for the rule of law, and care for all individuals involved, without fear or favour.

These matters strike at the heart of trust—between soldiers, between institutions, and between the nation and those it sends to war. The Association urges restraint, fairness and humanity as the legal process unfolds, particularly at a time when Australian military personnel are deployed on operations.

The Special Air Service Association of Australia will not comment further on the substance of allegations while proceedings are before the courts. Natural justice must prevail.

ENDS

Contact: Bob Hunter

National Chair, The Australian SAS Association

E: chairman.asasa@gmail.com.au

Mob: +61 413 045 355