Former opposition leader Peter Dutton has been appointed to the council of the Australian War Memorial, months after leaving federal politics.
Dutton served in Australia’s Parliament for two decades and was defence minister under Scott Morrison in 2021. His appointment follows his selection for the board of the Queensland Investment Corporation in April.
As defence minister, Dutton moved early in his tenure to overrule a recommendation from the chief of the defence force, General Angus Campbell, to strip about 3,000 special forces soldiers of a meritorious unit citation.
The soldiers served in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2013. The decision came after the release of the Brereton report into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
Dutton said at the time: “My judgment was that we shouldn’t be punishing the 99 per cent for the sins of the 1 per cent.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said Dutton had driven major reforms focused on national security and military readiness during his time as defence minister.
“In his post parliamentary life he remains passionate about strengthening Australia’s values, institutions and national interests,” Mr Keogh said.
The council oversees the Australian War Memorial’s responsibilities. Dutton left political office in May 2025 after losing his seat at the federal election.
