How this journalist took on a war criminal and won

In 2017, journalist Nick McKenzie heard rumours of executions and cover-ups inside Australia’s most elite military unit. For the next eight years, Nick waged an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged about Ben Roberts-Smith VC.

Along with his colleague Chris Masters, Nick began an investigation which hinged on Australia’s most famous, and most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, who served in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) from 2003 - 2013.

By following the story, they were plunged into the defamation trial of the century.

His fight examined evidence of bullying, intimidation, war crimes and murder, and took him across Australia and to Afghanistan.

As he unearthed secrets Ben Roberts-Smith had thought he'd long ago buried, Nick had to deal with death threats, and powerful forces intent on destroying his career.

He also witnessed attempts to silence brave SAS soldiers, who had witnessed their famous comrade commit unspeakable acts.

For years Nick waged an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged.

Earlier this year, Ben Roberts-Smith lost an appeal against a defamation judgement, which found he committed war crimes.

UPDATE April 2026: Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested and charged over allegations of war crimes following a five-year investigation.

The 47-year-old was charged with five counts of the war crime of murder relating to his time serving in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

The criminal charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Further information

Crossing the Line is published by Hachette.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.

It explores war, Afghanistan, the SAS, war crimes, allegations of war crimes, legal history, Australia's military history, Andrew Hastie, ADF, Iraq, Nine, Fairfax, Kerry Stokes, Seven, Media,  Anthony Besanko, Brereton Report, AFP, Federal Police, phone tapping, Mick Keelty, Federal Court, truth defence, David Wroe, peer pressure, military life, camaraderie, life at war, civil versus criminal court.

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