A supporter of Ben Roberts-Smith, the former Special Air Service (SAS) corporal facing war crime charges, was photographed making an offensive gesture at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra. The image, posted on social media, shows Scott Jones, a former 2 Commando Regiment signaller and vocal backer of Roberts-Smith, flashing his middle finger next to an exhibit dedicated to the spouse of a witness who testified against the decorated veteran.
The photograph was taken this week in the newly unveiled Afghanistan gallery, part of the AWM’s $550 million redevelopment. The official opening occurred on Tuesday evening, an event Roberts-Smith was scheduled to attend but withdrew from at the last minute, citing illness. Legal restrictions prevent identifying the witness and their partner featured in the exhibit.
The opening drew a high-profile audience, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Chief of the Defence Force David Johnston, his successor Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond, and Victoria Cross recipient Daniel Keighran. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, several government ministers, defense service chiefs, and AWM chairman Kim Beazley were also present. Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media and a longstanding supporter of Roberts-Smith, attended as well.
Jones had been at the AWM the previous day for a ceremony commemorating Victoria Cross recipient Cameron Baird, who was killed in Afghanistan. Former SAS commander Peter Winnall criticised Jones’s behavior as “inappropriate,” emphasizing that the memorial should be a place for respect and solemn remembrance. Winnall acknowledged Roberts-Smith’s presumption of innocence while underscoring the courage of soldiers who raised concerns about conduct, describing their actions as a defense of the Anzac spirit.
Roberts-Smith faces five criminal charges related to alleged war crimes and murder. Earlier this month, his bail conditions were modified to permit attendance at the AWM event. A source close to the former soldier told media outlets he was disappointed to have missed the opening. Roberts-Smith has consistently denied the allegations. These charges come after a civil defamation case against Nine Entertainment in which a judge found on the balance of probabilities that he was substantially involved in war crimes. The Federal Court upheld this ruling last year after dismissing his appeal.
Defence Minister Richard Marles defended Roberts-Smith’s invitation to the memorial, emphasizing the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence. “The Victoria Cross recipients have been invited to this, which is appropriate,” Marles said.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, a vocal supporter of Roberts-Smith, also expressed her backing for his right to attend the event. “Why shouldn’t he?” Hanson said, noting her intention to meet him at the memorial.
The expansion of the AWM, which increased its exhibition space by 80 percent, was initially criticised for its significant cost under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government. However, Albanese described the new galleries as “sublime and powerful,” characterizing the redevelopment as a profound tribute to Australian service members past and present.
AWM director Matt Anderson highlighted the memorial’s unique role, calling it “a shrine, an archive and a museum” with a purpose distinct from other cultural institutions.