Robert-Smith vows to defend himself

Australia's most decorated soldier is under investigation and the PM says any issues will be dealt with appropriately.

Malcolm Turnbull says allegations about one of Australia's most decorated soldiers will be dealt with appropriately.

The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force is inquiring into issues relating to Australian special forces, including Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, in Afghanistan.

Corporal Roberts-Smith was also the subject of a complaint made to police in Canberra earlier this year, Fairfax Media reported on Friday.

"I am aware of the allegations, complaints have been made to police and they will be dealt with appropriately," the prime minister told reporters in Perth on Friday.

"I can't make any comment on the specific matters because they are being dealt with by the police."

Mr Turnbull said the defence minister was updating him on the investigation into alleged misconduct in the special forces.

Corporal Roberts-Smith said he would "vigorously" defend himself.

"If and when I am given the opportunity to defend each specific allegation, I am very confident that direct witnesses will categorically demonstrate the falsity of them all," he said in a statement on Friday.

Corporal Roberts-Smith was thrust into the national spotlight in 2011 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross - Australia's highest military honour - for bravery under fire in Afghanistan.

In 2013 he was named Australian Father of the Year, and in 2015 he was appointed chair of the Australia Day Council.


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Source: AAP


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