In a significant development, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced the cancellation of distinguished service medals awarded to a small number of senior military officers. The decision comes in the wake of the 2020 Brereton Report, which uncovered credible evidence of unlawful killings committed by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel during their deployment in Afghanistan.
Marles, addressing parliament, stated that the decision to strip the officers of their awards aligns with the recommendations outlined in the Brereton Report, which included measures related to “command accountability.” While Marles refrained from disclosing the identities or exact number of officers affected, local media reports suggest that fewer than 10 personnel are implicated.
The Office of the Special Investigator is currently examining the possibility of prosecuting certain ADF personnel, although Marles cautioned that these inquiries would likely take years to complete. He emphasized that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the professionalism, honor, and integrity displayed by the more than 26,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan.
The four-year inquiry led by Major General Paul Brereton did not find evidence of top military brass having knowledge of the alleged war crimes. However, Brereton concluded that commanders at the troop, squadron, and task group levels bear moral command responsibility and accountability for the actions that occurred under their command and control.
In a separate incident, former Special Air Service Regiment soldier Oliver Schulz was charged last year with the murder of an Afghan man in 2012. Schulz became the first serving or former ADF member to face charges related to war crimes.
The cancellation of awards and ongoing investigations into alleged war crimes have brought national shame to Australia. However, Marles reiterated that the vast majority of Australian personnel served with professionalism, honor, and integrity, and their contributions should be a source of pride. » …
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