Australia's special investigator into war crimes has asked the country's corruption commission to probe the leak of former SAS man Ben Roberts-Smith's arrest, citing concerns about national security.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a former SAS soldier and media personality, was arrested in 2020 and charged with war crimes committed during the Afghanistan conflict.
The special investigator, who has not been named, revealed the move in a Senate estimates hearing, stating he was 'surprised' that journalists had prior knowledge of Roberts-Smith's arrest.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has also supported the move, with a spokesperson saying it is 'essential' that the leak is investigated.
The potential probe is set to delve into the handling of classified information and the potential for security breaches within the government or law enforcement agencies.
The opposition has welcomed the move, with the Labor Party's national security spokesperson stating it was 'long overdue'.