One Nation Supporters Show Strong Support for Former Soldier Ben Roberts-Smith
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One Nation Supporters Show Strong Support for Former Soldier Ben Roberts-Smith
- A recent analysis indicates that Ben Roberts-Smith is the second most favored figure among One Nation supporters, following Pauline Hanson.
- Pauline Hanson has openly expressed her admiration and respect for Ben Roberts-Smith, particularly after his arrest on war crime charges in April 2026.
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Recent political analysis reveals a significant level of support for former Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) soldier Ben Roberts-Smith among One Nation voters. While Pauline Hanson, the party’s leader, maintains the highest favorability, Roberts-Smith ranks as the second most supported figure. This strong backing comes despite Roberts-Smith facing charges of war crime murder relating to alleged incidents during his deployments in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has consistently denied these allegations.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been a vocal proponent of Roberts-Smith, publicly stating her respect and admiration for him. At a rally in Brisbane in June 2026, Hanson referred to him as a “war hero” and drew parallels between his prosecution and her own past legal issues, which were later overturned. One Nation has also used Roberts-Smith’s image in campaign materials, such as in the Farrer by-election in May 2026, with slogans like “He fought for us. One Nation stands with him.” The party has explicitly stated its support for Roberts-Smith as part of its commitment to Australian veterans.
Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia and the Medal for Gallantry, was once widely considered a national hero. However, his reputation shifted following a 2023 Federal Court ruling in a defamation case, which found sufficient evidence to establish that he had murdered unarmed Afghans and violated rules of military engagement. Appeals to the Federal Court and High Court were dismissed and refused in 2025. He was arrested and charged with five counts of war crime murder in April 2026 and subsequently released on bail. Despite these legal challenges, a segment of the Australian public, particularly One Nation supporters, continues to view him favorably, with some believing he is innocent or will not receive a fair trial.