How Ben Roberts-Smith Could Help Hanson Bring Down a Future Liberal Leader

The recent by-election victories of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party have highlighted a disturbing trend in Australian politics: the rise of the martyrdom industry. At its center is the case of Ben Roberts-Smith, the decorated soldier accused of war crimes in Afghanistan. This narrative, however, is not just about one individual; it’s a symptom of a broader cultural phenomenon that threatens to undermine our justice system.

One Nation supporters’ adoration for Roberts-Smith goes beyond admiration for his military service. It’s a reaction against accountability and due process. By elevating him to martyr status, they’re perpetuating a victimhood narrative that blurs the lines between actual innocence and perceived injustice. This has significant implications for Australian politics, as seen in the recent by-elections where One Nation exploited this anger to devastating effect.

The parallels with Julian Assange’s case are striking. Both men have been transformed into symbols of resistance against an allegedly oppressive system. However, whereas Assange admitted guilt and sought a plea bargain, Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. Yet both cases share a common thread: the deployment of righteous indignation as a means of subverting justice.

Andrew Hastie has become the latest target for One Nation’s ire. As a soldier who served alongside Roberts-Smith and testified in his defamation case, Hastie is now being demonized by the very same people who claim to stand up for him. The fact that he complied with his legal obligations under subpoena is irrelevant; what matters is that he didn’t conform to their twisted narrative.

The danger lies not just in the targeting of individuals but also in the corrosive effect this has on our institutions. As One Nation seeks to exploit popular anger and undermine the rule of law, we risk creating a culture where might makes right. The true victim of this process may not be Roberts-Smith himself, as some would argue, but rather those who are willing to stand up for justice – like Hastie – in the face of overwhelming pressure.

The Roberts-Smith case is far from over, and its impact will be felt for years to come. Hanson’s One Nation party has already demonstrated a willingness to exploit this narrative for political gain. If allowed to continue unchecked, it could create a culture where politicians are more concerned with maintaining popularity than upholding the law. This would have devastating consequences for our democracy.

In fact, Ben Roberts-Smith’s case could potentially be used as a tool by Hanson and her party to bring down a future Liberal leader who dares to uphold the rule of law and stand up for justice. If we fail to recognize the signs of this martyrdom industry and resist its corrosive influence, we risk eroding the very foundations of our democracy.

Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide whether we allow this narrative of victimhood and martyrdom to hijack our politics or if we stand up for a system that values fairness and accountability above all else. The choice is ours, but the consequences will be severe if we fail to act.