Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has spent $8.75 million on two buildings in Scarborough, rebranding them in honour of controversial former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith.
Landgate documents show Valley Investments purchased eight apartments in one building at 46 Scarborough Beach Road, along with two apartments and one villa at neighbouring 48 Scarborough Beach Road, in May.
Hancock Prospecting is the sole shareholder in Valley Investments, according to ASIC filings.
Both properties have been rebranded the Ben Roberts-Smith Beach Houses, according to new signage facing Scarborough Beach Road.
The move comes as Hancock seeks to buy up homes for veterans, in the midst of a $200 million commitment announced by Mrs Rinehart in April.
“Existing hotels, motels and apartment blocks are being prioritised, as they can be rapidly repurposed without the years of approval and delays associated with new construction,” a statement from Hancock Prospecting said when the scheme was announced.
46 and 48 Scarborough Beach Road. Photo: Michael O’Brien
Hancock Prospecting issued a statement this afternoon after receiving questions from Business News in which the company confirmed the refurbished accommodation was part of Mrs Rinehart's commitment to housing veterans, and would be followed by further purchases.
The company said the property offered 20 beds and had been opened by Mr Roberts-Smith's parents, Len and Sue, and would be managed by Veteran Housing Australia.
A refurbished apartment block in South Perth will open in July, while another four acquisitions were being actively sought in Queensland and others in Perth, the statement said.
“Our veterans do not need more committees, or empty words. They need accommodation and people willing to act," Mrs Rinehart said in the statement.
“I hope this accommodation, even more desperately needed as we move into the winter months, will bring some comfort to our struggling veterans, who after sacrificing so much for us are owed a great debt by this nation.
“No veteran who has worn our nation’s uniform should be left without the dignity of a safe place to sleep, and somewhere to call home. It is a national disgrace that we leave approximately 6,000 veterans to sleep in the streets.
"... The beach houses are in Scarborough, not far from the SAS, where Ben served and carry the name of Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG. He is a West Australian, former SAS soldier, who is looked up to by Australians across our country, and who served our nation with extraordinary courage. He is a hero.”
Mrs Rinehart called on the Albanese Government to better provide for veterans.
Len and Sue Roberts-Smith were reported as saying that the project showed veterans they were not being forgotten.
“We are very proud to see Ben’s name attached to a place that will give veterans a safe and welcoming roof over their heads when they need it most," they said.
“Our son has been through so much, and our family knows deeply that the challenges faced by veterans and their loved ones do not end when their service does. In many ways, it just begins."
Veteran Housing Australia CEO, Rob Miller and veterans living at the apartments also expressed their gratitude to Mrs Rinehart and her company.
The use of Mr Roberts-Smith’s name is sure to draw scrutiny, with the veteran currently on bail awaiting trial after being arrested in May and charged with five counts of war crimes.
The charges relate to the alleged deaths of Afghan civilians and prisoners in combat between 2009 and 2012.
Mrs Rinehart is a known supporter of the Victoria Cross winner, who has also had financial backing from Australian Capital Equity chair Kerry Stokes.
Mrs Rinehart issued a statement following Mr Roberts-Smith’s public arrest in May, criticising government investment in the pursuit of charges against former SAS soldiers.
“Like many Australians, I hope that compassion and the Aussie spirit is extended to Ben and his family and his duty to our country in the hardship of war is never forgotten,” she said at the time.
