For many Australians, it's almost too difficult to even imagine. In a landmark defamation trial, the country's most revered and decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been found to be a murderer and a war criminal.

On Thursday, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko delivered his judgement in the case.

It came after Roberts-Smith sued Nine Newspapers and reporters Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters, following damning articles they wrote about the Victoria Cross recipient in 2018.

The journalists' investigation revealed that far from being a hero of the Afghanistan war, Roberts-Smith broke moral and legal rules of military engagement, including being involved, directly and indirectly, in the murders of a number of innocent Afghan civilians and other persons-under-control (PUCs). 

He also engaged in multiple acts of violence including bullying and intimidation of fellow SAS soldiers. 

Roberts-Smith was not in Sydney to hear Justice Besanko's decision, instead preferring to holiday in Bali.

Outside the Federal Court, McKenzie and Masters re-enforced the importance of the role journalists have in exposing truth, even in cases where revealing wrongdoing could have embarrassing and serious national security implications.

They also acknowledged the bravery of the SAS soldiers who spoke out to defend the truth.

Since 2019, 60 Minutes has supported the reporting of McKenzie and Masters by broadcasting multiple stories about Afghanistan war atrocities committed by Australian soldiers.

In a special edition of the program, Tom Steinfort reveals even more information about what really happened in Afghanistan.

As part of his report, Steinfort, cameraman Scott Morelli and sound recordist Matt Brown made a dangerous journey to Kabul to speak to Afghan witnesses to Robert-Smith's alleged crimes.

It's believed the 60 Minutes team members are the first Australian media to travel to Afghanistan since the Taliban reclaimed control of the country in August 2021.

In China's Sights
It's well known that China won't stand for any criticism. There, opponents of the communist regime are simply not tolerated. But it seems Beijing now thinks it also has the right to ignore international borders and silence dissent anywhere it sees fit. Around the world it's setting up illegal outposts called "Chinese Overseas Police Service Stations", and as the name implies, the objective of these offices is clear. Our law enforcement agencies deny there are any of these stations in Australia, even though Chinese authorities openly publicise their existence. But as Tara Brown reports in a special 60 Minutes investigation, that's not the end of the intimidation. China is also using disgraceful new tactics to target Australians who dare to speak out.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Laura Sparkes

The Sting
Volunteering to help further the cause of science is a noble endeavour, but as Tom Steinfort discovers, being a human guinea pig can also hurt like hell. He has just experienced a spectacular but rather painful adventure around Australia with a group of researchers on an extraordinary mission. While most people would instinctively run from the dangerous creepy crawlies of the outback, these brave scientists deliberately seek out spiders, scorpions and centipedes, and then invite them to attack. Their aim is to get bitten to understand the pain of the stings. They then use the information, as well as the venom they collect, to develop much-needed medicines and painkillers. It's amazing work that's already saving lives.
Reporter: Tom Steinfort
Producer: Serge Negus