Rex Patrick, Independent Senator for South Australia, who has called Australian Defence Force commanders to take personal responsibility for the command failures that allowed war crimes to be committed by ADF personnel in Afghanistan.

He has also called on the Australian Parliament, which endorsed and supported Australia’s military engagement in Afghanistan, to also make a formal apology to the people of Afghanistan.

“The report of the inquiry by Justice Paul Brereton into war crimes in Afghanistan tells a very disturbing and deeply shameful story”, Senator Patrick said.

“As a former member of the Australian Defence Force, I am absolutely appalled by the revelations of at least 39 unlawful killings by ADF personnel. This is a very grim day for the standing of the ADF.”

“While Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghan, and Defence Force Chief General Angus Campbell today apologised on behalf of the ADF, the Australian Parliament should support a national apology to the people of Afghanistan. This is a grave matter that must be addressed at the centre of Australia’s democracy.”

Download this podcast here