A former Australian Army rifleman and field medic has avoided immediate imprisonment after admitting to trafficking cocaine during his service. Brett McMaster, 24, appeared in the Supreme Court of Queensland in Townsville, where he pleaded guilty to charges related to drug dealing.

McMaster was handed a four-year prison sentence, which was wholly suspended for a period of five years, meaning he will not serve time behind bars unless he reoffends within that timeframe. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine within 12 months for possessing a mobile phone used in the drug trafficking operation.

The court heard that McMaster, who served in the Townsville-based 3rd Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) armoured infantry battalion, purchased approximately 45 grams of cocaine over six weeks in 2024. These drugs were reportedly intended for distribution among fellow Australian Defence Force (ADF) soldiers. His supplier was identified as fellow serviceman Jack Alex Cullen, 25, who was previously jailed in May after admitting to trafficking substantial quantities of cocaine while serving as an army infantry soldier.

Details presented in court revealed McMaster made cash payments to Cullen, sometimes placing the money in Cullen's army backpack at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.

Justice Christopher Johnstone KC, who possesses a distinguished record of active service with the Royal Australian Air Force, strongly condemned McMaster's actions. He described the former soldier's conduct as "offensive" and a gross abuse of the "honour, privilege and trust" bestowed upon him as a member of the Australian Defence Force.

During proceedings, McMaster's barrister, Ross Malcomson, submitted a psychiatrist report suggesting his client had self-medicated mental health challenges with cocaine. However, the prosecution countered this, presenting evidence that indicated McMaster harboured ambitions to expand his drug dealing enterprise before his apprehension.

Justice Johnstone referenced a text message sent by McMaster to Cullen, in which he stated he was "slowly getting more blokes onto my stuff," questioning how this aligned with the submissions regarding his psychological wellbeing.

McMaster's discharge from the army in 2024 coincided with his drug charges, following a failed drug test. Despite the court's sentencing, he will continue to receive payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs due to injuries sustained during his military service. Furthermore, McMaster has been ordered to repay the Commonwealth $36,000 from a $50,000 retention bonus he received from the ADF.