That’s the case brought by decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Canberra Times, which wrapped up in the Federal Court last July. He sued over reports he says point to him committing war crimes while serving in Afghanistan – he denies the allegations while Nine Entertainment stands by the reporting. Reports last night said Roberts-Smith won’t be in court today – he’s on holiday in Bali. Since the Brereton Report containing allegations of war crimes by Aussie elite soldiers was released in 2020, only Oliver Schulz has been charged, and some believe Justice Anthony Besanko’s decision today will serve as a litmus test for future investigations and prosecutions. It comes as Defence Chief Angus Campbell revealed the US military warned him that those war crimes allegations could jeopardise its cooperation with Aussie special forces in the future.