ADF Afghanistan veterans will keep 3000 war citations after all
Australian veterans will get to keep a group honour awarded for the Afghanistan war, with new Defence Minister Peter Dutton saying only the "one per cent" who have done wrong will be punished.
Mr Dutton told Today that members of Australia's Special Operations Task Group will keep their Meritorious Unit Citations unless convicted of war crimes or sacked for poor conduct.
It overrules the decision of defence chief Angus Campbell to strip the 3000 veterans of the honour after alleged war crimes exposed in the damning Brereton Inquiry.
Australian Defence Force, members of the National Interdiction Unit and the Special Operations Task Group await the arrival of two Mi-17 helicopters in Kandahar, Afghanistan. AAP
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"We will deal with those who have done the wrong thing, but the vast majority of people have done the right thing," Mr Dutton said.
He said the "one per cent" who broke rules and laws will be "held to account".
"They will be charged and dealt with.
"But for the 99 per cent, these are people that have stood up in our country's name, they've defended our country and our values (and) our beliefs."
Mr Dutton did not comment on how Mr Campbell reacted when informed his decision was being overruled.
Special Operations Task Group members entering the training compound at Multi National Base Tarin Kowt. AAP
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"He made a decision at the time which was based on all of the facts," Mr Dutton said, adding "and all the facts were confronting".
Mr Dutton said the 3000 ADF personnel who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts should be "properly recognised through this citation and people should wear their medals with honour."
"They've been involved in operations which really have contributed to the success of the campaign in the Middle East.
Australian Special Operations Task Group Soldiers move towards waiting UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, in Afghanistan. AAP
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"I believe very strongly our presence in Afghanistan ... has stopped further terrorist attacks from happening around the world and our defence personnel should be very proud of their work there."
Mr Dutton said in an organisation the size of the ADF there would always be "the occasional bad apple" who would be weeded out.
The Federal Government last week announced all Australian troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11 this year.
Contact: msaunoko@nine.com.au
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