An Australian soldier filmed shooting an unarmed Afghan man has been identified and suspended from duty.

The ABC this week aired footage showing the soldier killing the Afghan man in May 2012.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has referred the incident to Australian Federal Police and the soldier has been stood down.

"The Australian Defence Force conducts its operations under strict rules of engagement and promotes a culture of ethical and lawful behaviour," the department said in a statement.

"The welfare of ADF members is always a priority, including for suspended soldiers and their families."

A former SAS soldier told Four Corners he saw three incidents of alleged murder.

Afghan villagers told the program an SAS squadron raided the village of Sola in August 2012, days after a rogue soldier killed three Australian troops.

Villagers were allegedly blindfolded and tied up, and a local imam and his son were shot dead.