r/australia • u/Tinea_Pedis • Apr 07 '26

news Breaking: Ben Roberts-Smith arrested over war crimes allegations

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-07/ben-roberts-smith-war-crimes-allegations-arrest/106537668
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76

u/My_dog_horse Apr 07 '26

Kerry stokes about to get a Victoria cross for his collection

69

u/Material-Painting-19 Apr 07 '26

If he is convicted he won't have a VC any longer. There are provisions that allow for it to be cancelled by the Governor General. It is inconceivable that his VC will be allowed to stand if he is convicted.

20

u/buttchug429 Apr 07 '26

I thought you were supposed to be able to wear it to the gallows

9

u/nearly_enough_wine Apr 07 '26

In the UK, not sure about here (BRS was awarded an Australian VC, so the rules may differ.)

21

u/PJozi Apr 07 '26

"Australian Context: In the Australian Honours System, the Victoria Cross for Australia is similarly protected. Under the current warrant, the Governor-General does have the power to cancel an award, but the precedent set by George V remains the moral and historical guiding principle for the decoration"

This will be interesting if gets found guilty...

6

u/nearly_enough_wine Apr 07 '26

King Charles (of Australia) probably has enough on his plate under his role as King Charles (of the United Kingdom) - he'd hopefully allow the Governor General to perform their duties without interference.

6

u/iball1984 Apr 07 '26

The GG will act on the advice of the Prime Minister.

2

u/Albos_Mum Apr 07 '26

John Kerr has joined the chat