Senior federal politicians have defended the decision to allow Ben Roberts-Smith to attend the opening of a major new gallery at the Australian War Memorial, despite his ongoing case.
All living Victoria Cross recipients have been invited to the official opening of the memorial’s expanded Atrium and Anzac Hall in Canberra on Tuesday night.
The new gallery focuses on Australia’s military involvement in the Middle East, Afghanistan and peacekeeping operations.
Roberts-Smith, who is facing a separate trial over five counts of the war crime of murder, has had his bail varied to attend the event.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said it was appropriate for the war veteran to attend in his capacity as a Victoria Cross recipient.
“The Victoria Cross recipients have been invited to this, which is appropriate. I’m comfortable about that,” he told ABC TV on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson are also expected to attend the opening.
Senator Hanson said she intended to speak with Roberts-Smith at the event and defended his attendance on the basis he has not been convicted.
“He’s still innocent til he’s been proven guilty,” she told reporters in Canberra.
“I’m hoping to actually catch up with him, say hello to him, give him my support,” Senator Hanson said.
Roberts-Smith is accused of murdering or ordering the killings of five unarmed detainees while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
He has consistently denied the allegations and previously told reporters in June that it was “absolutely” appropriate he attend the War Memorial event as a Victoria Cross recipient. He has vowed to defend the charges in court.
Veterans who have publicly criticised Roberts-Smith are also expected to attend the opening, including some individuals he is restricted from contacting under strict bail conditions.
Speaking ahead of the event, Albanese said attendees were united by the phrase “lest we forget” and the importance of remembrance.
“That most unadorned of sentences that dwells within us like a heartbeat – we vow to keep the flame of memory burning so brightly that its glow reaches future generations,” he will say in a speech.
“Today we adjourned the parliament so that everyone who wished to could come mark the opening of this Atrium and Anzac Hall, an addition to the Australian War Memorial that makes that flame burns so much brighter.
“What a sublime and powerful addition it is. A bold vision turned into a reality that enhances the institution of which it is now part.”
He will also encourage visitors to engage closely with the stories of service members represented in the new galleries.
“Look at the faces and get lost amid the smiles, the hope and camaraderie – the counterpoint to war’s relentless, inhuman arithmetic. They are its true cost,” he will say.
“Yet, amid this loss and sacrifice, what pulses so powerfully is life, and an abiding sense of what is worth fighting for.”
The redevelopment of Anzac Hall will add more than 5,000 square metres of exhibition space when completed in 2028, taking the memorial’s total to around 15,000 square metres. The project is backed by more than $550 million in federal funding.
The Australian War Memorial has previously defended its decision to continue displaying Roberts-Smith’s memorabilia at the Hall of Valour, despite calls from historians to remove the displays.
Image: gg.gov.au/ Wikimedia Commons
