Australian War Memorial faces backlash over Ben Roberts-Smith display amid war crimes charges
Consensus Summary
The Australian War Memorial is under pressure to address its display of Ben Roberts-Smith’s Victoria Cross uniform and medals in the Hall of Valour after he was charged with five counts of war crimes on April 9, 2026. Both sources confirm the memorial will review the interpretive panel’s wording but will keep the physical display in place for now. Historians and former memorial staff, including Michael McKernan and Peter Stanley, have criticized the decision, arguing it undermines the memorial’s commitment to historical truth, especially after a Federal Court ruling in 2023 found Roberts-Smith was a war criminal on the balance of civil probability. Political reactions vary, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refusing to comment, while opposition figures like Pauline Hanson and Tony Abbott have expressed support for Roberts-Smith or questioned the timing of the charges. The memorial’s upcoming Afghanistan exhibition, set to open in June, is expected to address the Brereton Inquiry findings, adding further context to the controversy.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney Airport on April 9, 2026, and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder.
- The Australian War Memorial’s Hall of Valour currently displays Roberts-Smith’s military uniform, helmet, and medals alongside other Victoria Cross recipients.
- The interpretive panel next to Roberts-Smith’s display previously stated he 'has not been charged with any offence under criminal law,' despite a 2023 Federal Court ruling finding he was a war criminal on the balance of civil probability.
- The Australian War Memorial has announced it will review the wording of the interpretive panel associated with Roberts-Smith’s display but will keep the uniform and equipment on display for now.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on the arrest, stating he would not interfere with matters before the courts.
- The Brereton Inquiry findings on alleged war crimes in Afghanistan are expected to be referenced in an upcoming Australian War Memorial exhibition opening in June 2026.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Michael McKernan, a senior lecturer in Australian history at the University of NSW, called the memorial’s decision to keep Roberts-Smith’s display 'an utter disgrace' and urged the removal of his uniform from the Hall of Valour.
- Peter Stanley, former principal historian at the Australian War Memorial, suggested moving Roberts-Smith’s display to the Afghanistan gallery to contextualize Australia’s involvement in the conflict.
- Frank Bongiorno, a University of Canberra historian, described the Australian War Memorial as a 'national shrine' and 'part-memorial, part-museum,' making it difficult to alter displays involving previously venerated figures.
- Two portraits of Roberts-Smith, including a large portrait by Michael Zavros entitled *Pistol Grip*, were removed from the memorial during its $500-million redevelopment.
- Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh stated the government has no power over curatorial decisions, which are made by the memorial’s curatorial staff and governing council.
- Boeing is a corporate partner of the Australian War Memorial, and former director Brendan Nelson (now associated with Boeing) previously oversaw the memorial and was a vocal supporter of Roberts-Smith.
- A Western Australian businessman, who chaired the memorial from 2015 to 2022, was also a supporter of Roberts-Smith.
- Visitors to the memorial noted mixed reactions to the display: some unaware of the charges commented on Roberts-Smith’s height (almost two meters), while others questioned why the display remained unchanged.
- A guide at the memorial provided a rehearsed response to visitors asking about the display, stating it was 'under review' and that changes could not be made with a 'piece of paper or sticky tape.'
- Nick McKenzie’s and Chris Masters’ books on Roberts-Smith are prominently displayed in the Australian War Memorial’s gift shop under the 'Recent Conflicts' section.
- Opposition Leader Angus Taylor stated the charges should not detract from respect for the Australian military, while Pauline Hanson expressed unwavering support for Roberts-Smith.
- Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott criticized the delay in bringing charges, stating 'Justice delayed is justice denied,' and called for cases to be resolved without delay.
- Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie described the arrest as a 'tragedy' and questioned why it took so long to come to light.
- Greens Senator David Shoebridge called the arrest a 'moment of accountability' but urged further scrutiny of senior military leaders involved in Afghanistan.
- A spokesperson for Defence declined to comment while the matter was before the courts.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Age states Roberts-Smith was charged on April 9, 2026, while ABC reports his arrest occurred on April 9 but does not explicitly state the charging date in the provided excerpt.
- The Age describes Roberts-Smith’s Victoria Cross display as including 'uniform and equipment' alongside another warrior, while ABC simply states the display includes 'uniform and medals.'
- The Age mentions Roberts-Smith’s defamation case against Nine Newspapers was referenced on the plaque, while ABC notes the text was changed after the defamation case but does not specify the exact wording.
Source Articles
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