Crossing the Line

The inside story of murder, lies and a fallen hero

Nick McKenzie

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Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Hachette Australia
08 July 2025

History; Military history: post WW2 conflicts; Special & elite forces; War crimes

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THIS UPDATED NEW EDITION REVEALS THE EXPLOSIVE INSIDE STORY BEHIND THE BEN ROBERTS-SMITH HEADLINES AND THE TRUTH BEHIND THE ATTACKS ON AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST NICK McKENZIE.

'There is no doubt the truth would have been concealed and our concerns buried without Nick McKenzie's relentless pursuit of justice.' SAS Afghanistan veteran

War is brutal. But there are lines that should never be crossed. In mid-2017, whispers of executions and cover-ups within Australia's most secretive and elite military unit, the SAS, reached Walkley Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie. He and Chris Masters began an investigation that would not only reveal shocking truths about Ben Roberts-Smith VC but plunge the reporters into the defamation trial of the century.

For five years, McKenzie led the investigation, waging an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged. His fight to reveal the real face of Australia's most famous and revered SAS soldier and examine evidence of bullying, intimidation, war crimes and murder would take him across Australia and to Afghanistan.

As he unearthed the secrets Ben Roberts-Smith had thought he'd long ago buried, McKenzie had to deal with death threats, powerful forces intent on destroying his career and attempts to silence brave SAS soldiers, who had witnessed their famous comrade commit unspeakable acts. And even after the trial judgement, headlines attacking McKenzie continued. However, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld the original judgment, finding again that Fairfax Media had proven the substantial truth of serious allegations against Ben Roberts-Smith - and believing eyewitness accounts from fellow Australian soldiers. This latest chapter is a defining moment for Australian journalism, press freedom and accountability within the military.

Nick McKenzie broke the stories that proved the man at one time idolised by the public, politicians, the media and leading business leaders was indeed a myth. His efforts will help deliver justice to Roberts-Smith's victims and their families.

Explosive and meticulously researched, Crossing the Line shares the powerful untold story of how a small group of brave soldiers and two determined reporters overcame a plot to suppress one of the greatest military scandals in Australian history.

'Extraordinary . . . Riveting . . . An insight into the finest investigative journalism in this country' Law Institute Journal

'The definitive account of the fall of Ben Roberts-Smith and a vital reminder of the power of journalism. It is a tour de force.' Ben Doherty, The Guardian

By: Nick McKenzie
Imprint: Hachette Australia
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 130mm, Spine: 34mm
Weight: 380g
ISBN: 9780733654114
ISBN 10: 0733654118
Publication Date: 08 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming