In a Sydney exclusive event, Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie, the investigative journalists who reported allegations on Ben Roberts-Smith’s war crimes, will appear in Reporting for Duty at the Sydney Opera House on 30 July.
Appearing in-conversation with Kate McClymont, the event will explore Masters’ and McKenzie’s roles in exposing the war crimes committed in Afghanistan by a small number of elite Australian soldiers, principally Victoria Cross recipient Roberts-Smith.
The journalists will discuss the subsequent defamation case as well as their experiences defending their reporting – and their reputations – in what came to be known as the defamation trial of the century.
Beginning with how they unraveled the details of the war crimes in Afghanistan through to the end of the trial – which took place over 110 days with more than 40 witnesses including fellow soldiers – Masters and McKenzie will discuss the role of the media in society, the public’s right to know what is being done in our name, and how stories such as these impact our collective identity, both here and overseas.
Chris Masters, author of Flawed Hero says: “At the height of the Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG saga, former director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson asked, where is the national interest in tearing down our heroes? And I ask in return, where is the national interest in hiding from the truth?”
Nick McKenzie, author of Crossing the Line says: “In my twenty years as a journalist, this is the most extraordinary tale I have come across, let alone so intimately lived and breathed. I look forward to sharing it with an audience at the iconic Sydney Opera House.”
Sydney Opera House Head of Talks & Ideas, Chip Rolley says: “All of Australia has been watching and waiting to see the outcome of this landmark case. Masters’ and McKenzie’s investigative reporting has laid bare war crimes done in Australia’s name in Afghanistan. Stories such as these affect our collective identity and history as a nation, and remind us of the critically important role independent and indefatigable investigative journalists play in a strong and healthy democracy. We are tremendously honoured to present this conversation of national importance at the Sydney Opera House.”
KEY INFORMATION
WHAT: Reporting for Duty, in conversation with Chris Masters & Nick McKenzie
WHEN: 3pm, Sunday 30 July 2023
WHERE: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
PRICES: From $30.00 + $8.95 booking fee
PRE SALE: 9am, Wednesday 28 June 2023
GP ON SALE: 9am, Thursday 29 June 2023