Digs at Aussie Diggers 'mind-boggling' - author

Photo / Christine Cornege

The author of a book cited when New Zealand journalist Jock Anderson called Australian World War I soldier "bludgers, poachers and thieves" says he doubts Mr Anderson has even read it.

Anderson, a National Business Review journalist, has been vilified for his comments in a Radio New Zealand panel discussion on the Australian book arguing that the nation's identity was forged on the "myth" of the Digger.

During the discussion he said: "The Aussies have been reluctant soldiers at the best of times, and they've been essentially lazy bludgers, some of them - excellent black-marketeers, scavengers, poachers and thieves."

The author of Bully Beef & Balderdash, Graham Wilson, told Newstalk ZB today he found Mr Anderson's comment's "mind boggling".

"I actually don't believe he's read my book. I believe that he's read a single line from the publisher's blurb on my publisher's website," he said.

"It's his take, not mine."

The comments have drawn strong criticism from both sides of the Tasman.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the comments were offensive and inappropriate, especially so close to Anzac Day.

"I've seen the Australian forces in a number of situations when they've been in places like Afghanistan. The spirit of the Anzac tradition is alive and well - it was a tradition forged on the battlegrounds of Gallipoli and to take away from their efforts I find quite offensive."

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith said he believed Anderson would regret the remarks.

He said they were "disrespectful" to those who fought from both sides of the Tasman.

"We have the highest regard for the contribution made by our New Zealand colleagues - as they do have for us.

Anyone who has been to Gallipoli, who has been to the New Zealand monument at the top of the hill, who understands the contribution that our Kiwi brothers and sisters made in Gallipoli alone - let alone other conflicts, including and up to Afghanistan - would dismiss those comments with the disrespect they deserve."

Anderson yesterday told One News the response to his comments showed "how thin-skinned they are".

"We shouldn't have a situation where, because we are New Zealanders, we can't comment or criticise anyone else."

Anderson said his comments "in no way" denigrated the sacrifice made by Australian soldiers.