Veterans slam defamation by ABC of ex-commando Heston Russell

Veterans slam defamation by ABC of ex-commando Heston Russell
  • By HARRY BRILL

Veterans have slammed the ABC and denounced an award-­winning journalist following a former commando’s successful defamation case against the broadcaster, with senator Malcolm Roberts claiming the ABC “must fire” the “out of control” journalists involved in the matter.

On Monday, retired special forces officer Heston Russell was awarded $390,000 in damages after he sued the ABC and journalists Josh Robertson and Mark Willacyover stories that, Mr Russell claimed, implied he had been complicit in the execution of a prisoner in Afghanistan.

Veteran community page The Pineapple Express announced the Federal Court’s ruling to its followers, which drew both the ire and relief of former servicemen, with one member declaring “now let’s defund the ABC, get rid of them”.

Veterans also took aim at Willacy, claiming his credentials were in question.

“Willacy should hand back his Walkley Foundation award for investigative journalism. What a disgrace to Australian journalists everywhere,” a member said.

Willacy, author of Rogue Forces, won a Gold Walkley for exposing SAS war crimes, which initiated further investigation by the Brereton inquiry – the independent Defence Force inquiry into alleged war crimes believed committed in Afghanistan.

READ MORE: Heston slams ABC after court win | ‘Violated’: ex-soldier slams ABC over war story |

On Monday afternoon, Senator Roberts called for Willacy and Robertson to be sacked. “The ABC has been recklessly tearing down Special Forces Soldiers for year,” he said in a statement.

“Their journalists are clearly out of control. Good job on holding them to account Heston.

“The ABC must fire those journalists for causing so much damage to the Australian taxpayer with their arrogance.”

An ABC spokesperson told The Australian on Tuesday that the broadcaster would not terminate the employment of Willacy or Robertson.

Mr Russell told The Australian the ordeal had been “traumatic” and an experience he wanted to move on from. “The toll it’s taken on me, my family … it’s been huge and I’m incredibly grateful it’s now behind me.”

For the journalistic community, his message was clear. “Behind your privileges, free press and freedom of speech, just remember: who does this affect?

“Who are the ones willing to actually fight for these freedoms in combat?”

Mr Russell said he was “fortunate” to be a veteran who had a social platform from which to defend himself. The former army officer also revealed he nearly ended his legal campaign from lack of funds but his legal representatives, Sue Chrysanthou SC and Rebekah Giles, took on the case for no fee without a win.

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