Former Army officer ignites Afghanistan war medal in protest
A Brisbane war veteran has burned his Afghanistan medal in a show of protest against the Australian Government that's becoming more common among returned Diggers.
Retired Army Major Stuart McCarthy, a two-tour veteran of Afghanistan, today ignited his campaign medal and hand-delivered the remains to Ryan MP Julian Simmonds' office.
Mr McCarthy said he destroyed the medal to draw attention to the plight of local Afghan soldiers and interpreters who helped the Australian Defence Force while overseas.
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The Federal Government has reportedly issued more than 1,500 visas to Afghan civilians since 2013. Nine
Mr McCarthy said he destroyed the medal to draw attention to the plight of local afghan soldiers and interpreters who helped the Australian Army while overseas. Nine
Following the coalition withdrawal from the war-torn country, its estimated up to 1000 former local members and their families still remain, with many living in fear of retaliation for their past alliances.
"These people literally risked their lives to do that work with us," Mr McCarthy told 9News.
"I am in daily contact with a number of these civilians who have already had their colleagues brutally murdered in some cases, and they are in hiding."
A Brisbane war veteran has burned his Afghanistan medal in a show of protest against the Australian Government that's becoming more common among return diggers. Nine
Retired Australian Army Major Stuart McCarthy, a two-tour veteran of Afghanistan, today ignited his campaign medal and hand delivered the remains to local Ryan MP Julian Simmonds office. Nine
The Federal Government has reportedly issued more than 1500 visas to Afghan civilians since 2013.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has also said Afghan civilian applications are being prioritised.
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