Author Talk: Chris Masters

Join us to hear award-winning journalist Chris Masters talk about his book Flawed Hero: Truth, Lies and War Crimes.

Flawed Hero: Truth, lies and war crimes by Chris Masters, Australia’s foremost investigative journalist, is the definitive account of the extraordinary Ben Roberts-Smith story and the defamation trial of the century.

With a Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry, Ben Roberts-Smith was the most highly decorated Australian soldier, the best of the best. When he returned to civilian life, he became the poster boy for a nation hungry for warrior heroes. He embodied the myth of the classic Anzac, seven-foot-tall and bulletproof. But as his public reputation continued to grow, rumours were circulating inside the army.

Gold Walkley Award–winning journalist Chris Masters was the first to hear the rumours of summary executions, bloodings and bullying, and he began to examine more closely the man we so readily worshipped. When the stories hit the headlines, and with a billionaire media baron’s backing, Ben Roberts-Smith sued. The high-stakes case was a watershed moment for investigative journalism and for the military, becoming the most significant defamation case in Australia’s history.

Drinks and nibbles will be available from 6pm.