Statement from Gina Rinehart regarding Ben Roberts-Smith

Attributable to Mrs Gina Rinehart AO:

“I don’t understand how it can be justified to spend more than $300 million to try for years to bring SAS veterans, who have served our country, towards criminal proceedings, and most recently the arrest of Ben.

“As the recently passed, Brigadier George Mansford succinctly stated, “The oath to serve your country did not include a contract for the normal luxuries and comforts enjoyed within our society. On the contrary, it implied hardship, loyalty and devotion to duty.”

“Have we lost sight of the fact that in our inadequately defended country, facing uncertain times, the morale of our defence force has already been brought to its lowest ebb since inception, our defence personnel numbers are inadequate, and recruitment is suffering.

“Surely, the more than $300 million of taxpayers’ money and usage of more than 50 federal police would have been far better spent strengthening Australia’s security and keeping Australians safe from terrorism, including removing terrorists and their supporters from our country.

“Like many Australians, I hope that compassion and the Aussie spirit is extended to Ben and his family and his duty to our country in the hardship of war is never forgotten.”