The Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra has updated the wording on a display featuring Ben Roberts-Smith for a third time.

What did Ben Roberts-Smith do? This is what his civil case found

Justice Anthony Besanko’s full reasons for his judgement are yet to be released, but today he outlined the serious allegations Nine’s lawyers had proved the “substantial truth” of.

The latest change reflects a decision by the High Court earlier this month to reject a special leave application from Mr Roberts-Smith to challenge a Federal Court ruling against his bid to sue Nine newspapers over allegations about war crimes.

Justice Anthony Besanko in 2023 ruled that the media outlets and journalists Mr Roberts-Smith had sued had established the substantial truth of many of the imputations in their reporting, including allegations of murder.

The former soldier wanted to overturn that ruling but he has failed in his final legal bid.

A tall white man in a blue suit and striped tie walks through a paved street holding his phone

Former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith arrived at court in May in Sydney for his appeal against his defamation loss. (ABC News: Abubakr Sajid)

The development prompted the AWM to again change an exhibit featuring Mr Roberts-Smith.

The AWM exhibit’s text says:

“Accounts of alleged misconduct by a small number of Australian Special Forces soldiers in Afghanistan began appearing in the media from late 2016.

“Claims were later heard in a civil defamation case brought by Roberts-Smith against media outlets and journalists.

“In June 2023, a Federal Court Judge determined that there was substantial truth to the allegations that Roberts-Smith had been involved and complicit in unlawful killings in Afghanistan.

“In May 2025, a Full Court of the Federal Court dismissed his appeal.

“In September 2025, the High Court of Australia refused Roberts-Smith’s application to challenge the Federal Court’s decision.

“This was his final legal bid to overturn the defamation ruling.

“Roberts-Smith has not been charged with any offence under criminal law.”

The top of the blurb remains unchanged.

It mentions that Mr Robert-Smith “was an imposing figure on the battlefield” and that the uniform exhibited was what he had worn during a 2010 assault into an Afghan village that saw him receive the Victoria Cross.

‘Historical significance’Close up text for a war memorial exhibit.

The Australian War Memorial has updated its Ben Roberts-Smith display. (ABC News: Joel Wilson)

In a statement, an AWM spokesperson said “the changes were made to appropriately reflect the recent High Court decision regarding Roberts-Smith’s defamation case”.

“These changes to the interpretive panel add further context to Roberts-Smith’s service and legal matters,” the spokesperson said.

“Collection items relating to Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, including his uniform, equipment and medals remain on display in the memorial’s galleries.

“The uniform and display are of significant historical significance.”

a man leaning against a wall which holds a portrait of him wearing an army uniform

Ben Roberts-Smith with one of two portraits of himself that have been taken off display at the Australian War Memorial. (AAP: Alan Porritt)

The AWM has previously removed two portraits of Mr Roberts-Smith which it said was part of its redevelopment.