Hastie under fire from One Nation after reluctant testimony in Roberts-Smith case

Andrew Hastie, the Liberal MP and former SAS soldier, is under fire from One Nation after he gave evidence under subpoena in the 2022 defamation case brought by Ben Roberts-Smith. The case, which Roberts-Smith ultimately lost, saw Hastie compelled to appear in court and testify under oath.

“I don’t dislike Mr Roberts-Smith at all. I pity Mr Roberts-Smith. I pity this whole process. I don’t want to be here,” Hastie said during his testimony, according to reports.

Hastie's compliance with the subpoena has now drawn the ire of One Nation, which has attacked him for his role in the proceedings. The political fallout highlights the lingering tensions surrounding the case, which involved allegations of war crimes and has deeply divided opinion in Australia.

The Guardian reports that Hastie appeared only under force of subpoena: compelled to attend court, obliged to swear an oath, and to tell “the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. Despite his reluctance, he is described as a “straightforward” witness.

Why This Matters

The attack on Hastie reflects ongoing political divisions over the Ben Roberts-Smith case and the treatment of veterans.
It raises questions about the pressure on current and former military personnel who are called to give evidence in legal proceedings.
The episode could affect Hastie’s standing within the Liberal Party and his relationship with conservative voters.

Background

The Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case was a landmark civil trial that concluded in 2022. Roberts-Smith, a highly decorated former SAS soldier, sued several media outlets over reports that he was involved in war crimes in Afghanistan. The court found the reports to be substantially true, dealing a major blow to Roberts-Smith’s reputation. Andrew Hastie, himself a former SAS officer and now a Liberal MP, was among those subpoenaed to give evidence. His testimony was seen as significant given his military background and political position.

Key Perspectives

Andrew Hastie: The Liberal MP has expressed personal reluctance to be involved, saying he pities both Roberts-Smith and the process. He complied with the subpoena and gave straightforward evidence. One Nation: The party has attacked Hastie for his role, framing it as disloyalty to a fellow soldier. This reflects a broader political strategy to appeal to veterans and those skeptical of the court’s findings. Critics: Some argue that attacking a witness who simply complied with a legal obligation undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for future cases involving military personnel.

What to Watch

Whether One Nation escalates its attacks or attempts to force a parliamentary censure of Hastie.
How the Liberal Party leadership responds to the pressure on one of its MPs.
Any further political fallout as the 2026 federal election approaches.

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