'Entire thing stinks' - James Willis BLASTSgovernment over investigating Australian soldiers

The ongoing investigation into the actions of the Australian military in Afghanistan has sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding the treatment of soldiers involved. Critics argue that the inquiry, which has resulted in charges against only two former members of the SAS, has been a "witch hunt" that has severely impacted veterans, some of whom have suffered from PTSD and other combat-related injuries. Ben Robert Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, highlights the emotional toll of the inquiry, stating that it has led to a sense of guilt among soldiers who were once celebrated for their service.

Recent changes to Australian war crimes legislation have further complicated the situation. The Albanese government has lowered the threshold for determining whether a soldier is considered "in the fight," making the laws retrospective. This means that actions taken under previous legal standards can now be prosecuted under new, stricter criteria. Critics, including Smith, argue that this retroactive application undermines the legal protections that soldiers operated under during their service and raises serious concerns about fairness in the prosecution process.

Additionally, there are disparities in legal representation for soldiers facing charges. While soldiers like Smith and Oliver Schultz are limited to six hours of taxpayer-funded legal service per day, the Commonwealth lawyers prosecuting them can bill for ten hours. This inequity, combined with the high costs associated with the inquiry, raises questions about the priorities of the government in pursuing these cases against its own troops, especially when military readiness is already a concern due to personnel shortages.

Listen to James' full thoughts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.