The minister claimed he still had full faith in General Campbell, despite overriding his decision.
The Brereton report laid out specific recommendations for removing meritorious unit citations from Special Operations Task Group troops who served in Afghanistan.
It emphasised the difference between group and individual awards, saying the latter could not be revoked on a broad-brush or collective basis. Although many members of the Special Operations Task Group demonstrated great courage and commitment and although it had considerable achievements, what is now known must disentitle the unit as a whole to eligibility for recognition for sustained outstanding service, the report said.
Soldier-turned-MP lauds Peter Dutton s tough, bold decision to override ADF chief on unit citations sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Peter Dutton has begun his tenure as defence minister by delivering a very public slap to his most senior military adviser, chief of the Australian Defence Force Angus Campbell.
Dutton’s overriding of Campbell’s initial command decision to revoke a meritorious unit citation that had been awarded to some 3,000 special forces soldiers who served in Afghanistan is a humiliation to the general who is supposedly in command of the military.
The minister’s claim that he has full faith in Campbell does not alter this point.
On an issue that goes to the core of military professionalism, ethics and discipline, the government has not trusted Campbell’s judgment.
New Defence Minister Overturns Decision to Strip Afghan Veterans of Medals
Newly appointed Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton has overturned a decision to strip 3,000 soldiers of their citations after their service in Afghanistan.
Last year, Chief of Defence Angus Campbell recommended the Meritorious Unit Citation be revoked for the Special Operations Task Group as a “collective punishment” after the release of a report that revealed evidence of war crimes committed by Australian personnel.
However, Dutton said that only those convicted of war crimes would lose their medals.
“We shouldn’t be punishing the 99 percent for the sins of one percent,” Dutton told 2GB radio.
Jab, one-two GIVE IT ANOTHER SHOT
National cabinet will hold its first biweekly meeting today to discuss Australia’s failed COVID-19 vaccine rollout, with the ABC noting that mass vaccination centres will be discussed and
Scott Morrison is facing resistance from states with regards to his push for a home quarantine system.
Yesterday, New South Wales recorded three locally acquired cases, after a family was found to have become infected while staying in hotel quarantine. Meanwhile, Victoria announced it will lift the pause on AstraZeneca for those both under and over 50 now that issues around training and liability have now been resolved and open three mass-vaccination hubs on Wednesday.