Special forces groups want the government to direct Australia's defence chief to hold off on stripping the nation's elite troops of their medals until Afghanistan war crimes allegations are proven.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the Australian Special Air Services Association, Commando Association and the RSL said no one should face action until the legal proceedings are complete, citing the right of the accused to the presumption of innocence.
The damning Brereton report - released in 2020 - investigated alleged war crimes by Australia's special forces and found 39 civilians and prisoners were unlawfully killed in Afghanistan.
