Ben Roberts-Smith joins 600 veterans as Albanese marks Australia’s 25 years in Afghanistan

October 11, 2026 — 12:00pmAnthony Albanese has paid tribute to Australian troops who endured a battlefield where every footstep could conceal an explosive and threats could come from within their own ranks, as about 600 veterans gathered to mark 25 years since the beginning of Australia’s longest war.Among those attending Sunday’s national commemoration at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra was Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, who faces five charges of war crime murder over the alleged executions of Afghan detainees. He strongly denies the allegations.Ben Roberts-Smith arrives for a National Commemorative Service recognising the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan.Alex EllinghausenThe prime minister honoured those who served in Afghanistan, the 47 Australian personnel who died as a result of their service and the families who continue to live with their loss.“It was an environment in which vigilance had to be as relentless as the dust that we saw depicted in the video that began today’s solemn ceremony,” the prime minister said.“Where every footstep could feel heavy in a landscape sown with explosives, where any crowd might hold a suicide bomber, and where the threats came from without, and sometimes devastatingly from within.”Front row: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Opposition Spokesman for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack, at the Australian War Memorial on Sunday. Alex EllinghausenHe paid tribute to Afghan soldiers and interpreters who risked their lives to assist Australian forces, many of whom attended the ceremony.“What shone brightly amid all of this was the courage of so many Afghans, the soldiers, the interpreters, all who stood against their oppressors and put their own safety on the line to help,” he said.Albanese also recognised those who returned wounded in body or mind, and the families who endured the pride and pain of military service.“We honour all who went and all who fell,” he said.Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Spokesman for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie ahead of the service. Alex EllinghausenThe gathering marked a quarter of a century since Australian forces deployed to Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. The conflict became Australia’s longest military engagement, spanning operations against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, counter-insurgency campaigns and efforts to train Afghan security forces.About 26,000 to 30,000 Australians served under Operations Slipper and Highroad, with 263 wounded.The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, following the withdrawal of international forces, left many veterans questioning the outcome of the two-decade campaign.Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, former Prime Minister John Howard, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition spokesman for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack. Alex EllinghausenKahlil Fegan, who served on multiple operational deployments and led multinational teams in Afghanistan, including Mentoring Task Force 4, reflected on the fall of Kabul and the questions it raised for those who served.“Was it worth it? What did we achieve, and how will we be remembered?” he said.Fegan said wars were often judged by their endings, but the meaning of military service could not be measured solely by political outcomes.“It is measured in such things as duty, courage, sacrifice, and by standing by your mates when it matters,” he said.Roberts-Smith, a former Special Air Service Regiment corporal, sat in the front row alongside his partner, Sarah Matulin. He was granted permission by a judge last month to travel from Brisbane to Canberra for the service, subject to strict bail conditions.His prosecution has become a focus of debate over alleged unlawful killings by Australian special forces and the investigation of veterans accused of war crimes. No trial date has been set.Ben Roberts-Smith (2nd from left) during the National Commemorative Service.Alex EllinghausenFellow Victoria Cross recipient Dan Keighran also attended, alongside former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison.Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, a former SAS captain who served in Afghanistan and gave evidence in Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial, sat behind the former prime ministers with his children.Chief or Defence Force, Admiral Mark Hammond laid a wreath alongside chief of airforce, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, the chief of army.Janny Poate, whose son Robert was killed at 23, in a “green on blue” attack, also read a tribute.Hugh and Janny Poate at their home in Canberra with a photograph of their son Private Robert Poate. Janny Poate paid tribute at the service. Alex Ellinghausen“We remember a human story that includes the families who waited, worried, endured separation, and who suffered loss? Most of all, we remember this: their strength and resilience.”Albanese said the service of Australian personnel demonstrated what was worth fighting for, regardless of the eventual outcome of the conflict.From our partners