Powerful Aboriginal Leader’s Dawn Service Speech Stirs Controversy and Captivates Audience

Embattled former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith found himself surrounded by supporters during an Anzac Day dawn ceremony in Queensland today.

The 47-year-old, who holds the title of Australia’s most decorated soldier, appeared on Currumbin Beach, located on the Gold Coast, proudly displaying his service medals on his suit jacket.

Following the poignant event, he delivered a strong message to the media.

“I’ve never thought about not coming, I was always going to be here,” Roberts-Smith, a former member of the SAS, confidently told ABC.

Images captured Roberts-Smith smiling as he interacted with veterans, shook hands with a naval officer, and posed for selfies with admirers.

He was accompanied at the service by his partner, Sarah Matulin, along with his parents.

Ms Matulin appeared to be moved by the early-morning ceremony and was seen blowing her nose, as thousands turned out to pay their respects.

Roberts-Smith said he was thinking about the families of service members and the ultimate sacrifice many have made in defence of the nation.

He said the country owed them a ‘deep debt’.

‘Everyone should be reflecting and commemorating the service of all of those Australians that have given us the country that we live in,’ he said.

The decorated former soldier said the support from Aussies had been ‘overwhelming’ after he was charged with five counts of war crime murder, allegedly committed during his service with the SAS in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

He has not yet entered a plea to the charges.

‘Today is bigger than me,’ he said. ‘This is a day… about remembering every single person that has given us the country that we live in.’