Australian War Memorial updates Roberts-Smith display amid war crime charges

The Australian War Memorial has amended the display dedicated to Ben Roberts-Smith after he was charged with five counts of the war crime of murder. The changes, implemented recently, mean that nearly half of the descriptive plaque in the museum’s Hall of Valour now addresses events occurring after his military service, starting with initial reports of misconduct in 2016. Previously, the display concluded by stating that Roberts-Smith had not been charged with any criminal offense.

As of the recent update, the plaque now reads: “In April 2026, Roberts-Smith was charged with five counts of the war crime of murder. The legal process is ongoing.” Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, stated at a media conference, “The memorial’s commitment throughout this entire process … has been to ensure that the panel in the galleries is up to date and covers the facts.” He emphasized the importance of allowing justice to take its course and maintaining the presumption of innocence.

Anderson confirmed that Roberts-Smith’s equipment, uniform, and medal groups would remain on display, explaining that his inclusion in the Hall of Valour is due to his actions during a specific military engagement in Afghanistan on June 11, 2010. The timing of this panel update coincides with Roberts-Smith awaiting a bail hearing, which poses challenges for the institution, particularly as it recently opened 7,000 square meters of gallery space as part of a $500 million expansion project. The focus on the Hall of Valour continues despite the museum's efforts to modernize and honor recent conflicts. The Roberts-Smith panel is expected to remain unchanged until a verdict is reached in his criminal trial.