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Four Corners

Killing Field

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Killing Field: Exposing killings and cover ups by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.

On Monday, Four Corners will detail explosive revelations about the conduct of Australia's elite special forces during the war in Afghanistan.

"They're going to look back and see that we were the guys in there murdering and invading and not there to do something that was honourable." Former Australian soldier

In an investigation months in the making, drawing upon sources in Australia and Afghanistan, the program will expose a culture of impunity and cover-up among members of Australia's special forces who served in Australia's longest war.

Killing Field, reported by Mark Willacy, goes to air on Monday 16th March at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 17th March at 1.00pm and Wednesday 18th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.

Support services:

  • The Defence all-hours Support Line is a confidential telephone and online service for ADF members and their families 1800 628 036
  • Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families 1800 011 046
  • Soldier On is a national support services provider for Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families. Contact during office hours 1300 620 380 or email getsupport@soldieron.org.au

The following statement can be attributed to a spokesperson from Defence:

In 2016, the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) commenced an inquiry (known as the Afghanistan Inquiry) to determine whether there is any substance to rumours and allegations relating to possible breaches of the Law of Armed Conflict by members of Australia's Special Forces in Afghanistan over the period 2005 to 2016.

The Afghanistan Inquiry is extensive and complex, involves serious subject matter, many witnesses and lines of inquiry, and is still ongoing.

The IGADF is independent of the chain-of-command and of government.

In order to protect the integrity and independence of the IGADF and the Afghanistan Inquiry, and the reputations and wellbeing of the individuals involved, it is not appropriate for Defence to comment on matters that may or may not be the subject of the Afghanistan Inquiry.

It is expected that, sometime in the next few months, the IGADF will be in a position to provide a report on the findings of the Afghanistan Inquiry to the Chief of the Defence Force who will decide on appropriate further actions.

At all times during the conduct of the Inquiry and through to its conclusion and next phases, a range of legal, psychological, medical, pastoral and social work support services continue to be made available to Inquiry witnesses and other individuals impacted.

Serving and former ADF members and their families are encouraged to continue to reach out and seek the help they need.

Links:

ADF Health and Wellbeing portal

Welfare Support Services - IGADF Website

IGADF Annual Report 2018-2019

Transcript