Pauline Hanson has publicly backed Ben Roberts-Smith at a Brisbane support event, telling supporters she had “walked in his shoes” as she compared his upcoming criminal trial to her own past legal battle. Hanson referred to her 2003 electoral fraud conviction, which was later overturned, while arguing that Roberts-Smith should not be judged before the courts hear the case.
Roberts-Smith, a former SAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder linked to his service in Afghanistan. He denies the allegations. The case has become one of the most closely watched military justice matters in Australia, not only because of Roberts-Smith’s public profile, but because it raises difficult questions about accountability, military culture and how alleged battlefield crimes are handled years after the events.
Hanson’s appearance adds a political layer to an already sensitive case. Her message to supporters framed Roberts-Smith as someone facing public condemnation before trial, while critics argue the seriousness of the charges demands a careful legal process rather than political campaigning. For now, the central issue remains with the court: Roberts-Smith is accused, he denies the allegations, and the case has not yet been decided in a criminal trial.