'The allegations... are arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history.'
A "small number" of military commanders have been stripped of their medals over a report that found Australian troops were involved in the alleged unlawful killing of 39 people in Afghanistan.
In closing the government's response to the report, Marles said he had decided to strip "a small number" of commanders of their honours relating to their time in Afghanistan. "My decisions on this matter are consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Brereton report." "And I say this with direct experience, it was not easy partnering with an Afghan warlord and his personal band of warriors.
"My one point of disagreement with the Brereton Report is on how far it reaches up the chain in assigning responsibility," he told parliament. "I do not say this to absolve or condemn anyone, but those in the chain of command who saw the post-mission slide decks with the kill counts and pictures of dead individuals had an obligation to ask questions."
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