Former Special Air Service troop commander and federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie is calling for greater parliamentary and media oversight of the Australian military.
Mr Hastie has voiced personal grief and shame over alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers he served with in Afghanistan.
The member for Canning in Western Australia wants greater media access to military operations overseas.
“We stage-managed Australia’s contribution to the Afghanistan war through a carefully crafted information operation,” Mr Hastie wrote in The Australian on Tuesday.
“Perhaps with greater access for the Australian media, some of the events alleged by the Brereton report might never have happened.”
Mr Hastie, who chairs a parliamentary committee on intelligence and security, wants to create a committee with powers to compel defence chiefs and bureaucrats.
“If we are serious about increased accountability and transparency, then we need proper parliamentary scrutiny of the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“Without it, our parliament cannot exercise proper civilian oversight of our military.”
An exhaustive inquiry by Justice Paul Brereton absolved top brass of blame for unlawful killings and acts of torture allegedly committed by Australian troops in Afghanistan.
But Mr Hastie said responsibility must be shared, arguing soldiers and officers needed accountability and firm leadership in “the degrading cockpit of war”.
“It appears this did not happen from the very top to the bottom of the command chain,” he said.
Mr Hastie said over-reliance on elite SAS troops hardened the hearts of soldiers sent on multiple deployments.
“People lost their way.”
He argued certain aspects of warrior culture including ego, entitlement and exceptionalism must be condemned, but other elements were an important part of elite combat units.
“You need people who run to the sound of the guns. Who are prepared to fight and destroy Australia’s enemies. Who will die doing so, if necessary.”
Greg Melick, the national president of the RSL and Australian Commando Association, said the allegations against SAS troops were horrific.
“But at the end of the day the soldiers are entitled to due process,” he told ABC radio.
Mr Melick said efforts must be made to avoid prejudicing any future prosecutions.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester said SAS soldiers accused of murder and torture were entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Mr Chester also cautioned against tarring all servicemen and women with the same brush.
“We can’t allow the alleged actions of a few people stain the reputations and the service of more than two million Australians who have done their duty with distinction throughout our nation’s history,” he said.
ADF members and their families can call the Defence all-hours Support Line, a confidential telephone and online service, on 1800 628 036.
Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families on 1800 011 046.
Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families can also contact national support services provider Soldier On during office hours 1300 620 380.
