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The uniform of former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

‘An utter disgrace’: National war museum urged to act on Ben Roberts-Smith display

Historians say the Australian War Memorial’s refusal to remove the accused murderer’s uniform from its Hall of Valour must be reconsidered.

  • Clay Lucas and Nick Newling

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Ben Roberts-Smith and his backers, Gina Rinehart, Pauline Hanson, Kerry Stokes, Brendan Nelson, Tony Abbott.

The Roberts-Smith case has split the nation. Just ask his billionaire backers

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest person, is standing by the disgraced Victoria Cross recipient after his arrest while another important figure stays silent.

  • Stephen Brook and Alexander Darling
Ben Roberts-Smith has sought to bend the legal system to his benefit.

Many narcissists have tried to twist the legal system. One thing sets this man apart

Anzacs fought for the rule of law – that’s what makes the prosecution of Ben Roberts-Smith so important.

  • Nick McKenzie
Chris Masters speaks outside the Federal Court in June last year after winning the defamation case filed by ex-soldier Ben Roberts-Smith.

‘Might ruffle feathers’: Award-winning journalist Chris Masters uninvited from delivering lecture

The acclaimed writer was invited last month to deliver the 2026 CEW Bean lecture. But that invitation has been rescinded.

  • Harriet Alexander
Ben Roberts-Smith at the Federal Court in Sydney in May.

Australian War Memorial changes book prize rules to reject Ben Roberts-Smith exposé

When the judges announced acclaimed journalist Chris Masters as the winner, it proved a step too far for the institution.

  • Kerrie O'Brien
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

Petrol tax changes have been irresistible for politicians for half a century

A tax on petrol in Australia was introduced way back in 1978 … and politicians on both sides haven’t been able to leave it alone ever since.

  • Tony Wright
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Kim Beazley could replace Brendan Nelson on the council of the Australian War Memorial.

Labor veteran Kim Beazley in the frame for Australian War Memorial council

The Labor elder statesman is being discussed internally by the federal government as a candidate for the Australian War Memorial council.

  • James Massola
War Memorial chairman Brendan Nelson and Veterans’ Affairs Minister  Matt Keogh.

Critic of frontier war plans at Australian War Memorial candidate for next chair

The RSL’s national president Greg Melick said the War Memorial should be exclusively for defence and peacekeeping operations.

  • James Massola
Former prime minister Tony Abbott is among four Liberal Party-aligned members of the Australian War Memorial board, chaired by former party leader Brendan Nelson.

‘Creeping politicisation’: One in five federal board roles held by political appointees

A Grattan Institute analysis of federal government board positions shows 21 per cent had direct political connections, described as a form of “grey corruption”.

  • Lisa Visentin
Peter Dutton.

Peter Dutton likely to lead the opposition, but will he go the way of Brendan Nelson?

Peter Dutton is firming as the man most likely to lead the Coalition, but he will need to overcome voters’ perceptions of him and the rising independent vote.

  • James Massola