7am Chris Masters on unravelling the Ben Roberts-Smith story
Apr 9, 2026
Chris Masters, veteran investigative journalist and author of Flawed Hero, recounts years tracking allegations around Ben Roberts-Smith. He recalls early trips to Afghanistan, how whispers became investigation, the 2018 legal fight, and why soldiers eventually spoke up. He also reflects on public division, differences between civil and criminal processes, and questions of command accountability.
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On The Ground Reporting Across Three Deployments
- Chris Masters visited Afghanistan three times between 2007 and 2011 and observed different phases from reconstruction to kinetic special-forces operations.
- He saw engineers doing reconstruction in 2007, conventional patrols in 2010, then in 2011 rode with special forces and noticed growing misgivings and hatred in locals' eyes.
How Rumours About Roberts‑Smith Began
- Rumours about Ben Roberts‑Smith started circulating among psychologists, intelligence officers and some soldiers who raised concerns up their chain of command.
- Masters began hearing these whispers around 2015 and only confronted Roberts‑Smith with questions in 2017 after repeated reports.
The Hyatt Meeting That Changed The Investigation
- Masters met Roberts‑Smith in the Hyatt Rose Garden before Anzac Day 2017 and found him defensive and confrontational when asked about incidents.
- Roberts‑Smith 'lawyered up' and tried to embrace then intimidate Masters, leaving him convinced Roberts‑Smith had something to hide.