A long-running defence investigation into the conduct of Australia's soldiers in Afghanistan has been completed and claims will soon be aired to the public.
A special investigator has been appointed to prosecute Australians suspected of unlawful killings.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there are a 'significant' number of issues that will be looked at and has warned that citizens may find it painful to hear some of the allegations.
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He told reporters at a press conference that the investigation will be 'inherently complex' and will deal with incredibly sensitive information.
He's warned Australians might not want to hear about some of the things that soldiers have allegedly done.
"This is going to be very difficult for Australians. It is going to be very difficult for our serving community and our veterans community," the Prime Minister said.
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"It is going to be difficult for all of us. But what we are seeking to do, as a government, I think what we have to do as a country, is to absorb this in a way that enables us to uphold the integrity of our justice system and uphold the integrity of our defence forces. We rely vitally on both of these institutions, absolutely vitally.
"Given the likely allegations of serious and possibly criminal misconduct, the matters raised in the inquiry must be assessed, investigated and where allegations are substantiated, prosecuted in court. To undertake this role, the government is establishing the Office of the Special Investigator."
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds urged for calm and said that while the allegations are serious, it doesn't take away from the hard work of 39,000 soldiers who have served during the Afghanistan war campaign.
She added that if some of the claims are true and they are convicted of a crime, then soldiers could have their medals stripped.
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Mr Morrison has read the unredacted report from the investigation and says it makes for a chilling read. The Australian Defence Force will be issuing a redacted version next week.
"There is some disturbing conduct here, but we cannot then take that and apply it to everyone who has pulled on a uniform and if we did this, that would be grossly unjust, grossly unjust," the Prime Minister said.
"I know that wouldn't be the view of people here or in government or anywhere else. We all share a deep respect for our defence forces, but we also share a deep respect for justice. It is about managing those two issues to the highest standards I think we place on them in Australia."
He added that the soldiers who end up being prosecuted will be done through the Australian justice system, which will mitigate them from having to present to the International Criminal Court.
Featured Image Credit: PA