Originally published by Business News
25.06.2026
Premier Roger Cook says the decision of mining billionaire Gina Rinehart to name apartments for homeless veterans after accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith is a matter for her and her company.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that two apartment blocks in Scarborough were named in honour of the Victoria Cross recipient.
Mr Cook applauded the charitable work done by Mrs Rinehart.
“I’m pleased that Mrs Rinehart is working to support homeless veterans as part of the work that she and her company are doing in the community,” the premier said.
“It’s important work and we thank her for it. What she describes or calls these buildings is really a decision for her.”
Mr Roberts-Smith, a former operator in the Special Air Service Regiment during multiple tours of Afghanistan, is currently awaiting trial on five counts of murder related to his service between 2009 and 2012.
The Victoria Cross recipient denies all charges.
He had previously lost a defamation case against Nine’s media outlets with the civil court finding there was substantial truth to the allegations published and broadcast.
Mrs Rinehart has been a longtime supporter of the former SASR corporal and the Scarborough apartments for homeless veterans are part of a $200 million commitment nationwide.
“Our veterans do not need more committees, or empty words,” she said in a statement.
“They need accommodation and people willing to act,” Mrs Rinehart said in the statement.
“The beach houses are in Scarborough, not far from the SAS, where Ben served and carry the name of Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG.
“He is a West Australian, former SAS soldier, who is looked up to by Australians across our country, and who served our nation with extraordinary courage. He is a hero.”
