THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

STATEMENT ON CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST BEN ROBERTS-SMITH

Thursday 9 April 2026

In 2022, I was one of 21 SAS veterans of the war in Afghanistan subpoenaed as a witness in the defamation action brought by Ben Roberts-Smith against Nine Media.

As a qualified member of the SAS, I was present on one of the operational missions in 2012 that was examined by the Federal Court.

I gave testimony under oath, as required by law.

Mr Roberts-Smith is now facing criminal charges in relation to this operational mission, so it is possible that I will be called as a witness to this trial.

I urge every Australian to respect the rule of law, the criminal justice system, and the accused’s right to a presumption of innocence and a fair trial.

Therefore, I will not prejudice this trial by making any further comment.

For the same reason, I won't open comments below.

[ENDS]