The Lindt siege was the bravest day in Ben Besant’s life and the worst. He faced and killed a shotgun-wielding terrorist, but then learnt his actions contributed to the accidental death of a hostage. He believes another hostage died because he and his colleagues didn’t get there in time. As a Tactical Operations Officer (TOU), Ben and his mates were more prepared for their own deaths than those of hostages. He’d texted his goodbyes to his wife.

Ben’s training for that moment and family pedigree of service is typical of so many young Australians prepared to risk their lives responding to life-threatening situations. His life since is also a cautionary example of the personal cost, as the damage of all the trauma he’d faced landed squarely on his family.

This is Ben’s story.