The war affected life in Australia through conscription, public debate, media coverage and growing anti-war protests.
Between 1962 and 1975, the Vietnam War affected life in Australia as well as the lives of those serving overseas.
At first, many Australians accepted the Menzies government’s argument that the war was needed to stop the spread of communism in South-East Asia and beyond.
As the war continued, more people questioned Australia’s involvement, especially after many regular servicemen and national servicemen were killed in action.
The National Service Scheme used a birthday ballot to select young men for possible Army service. This caused debate, because some Australians believed conscription was necessary, while others believed people should not be forced to fight in a war.
The war was reported in newspapers, on radio and on television, bringing images of combat and protest into Australian homes. Families waited for letters, news and the return of loved ones. Anti-war groups, students, churches, unions and others joined protests, including large Moratorium marches in 1970 and 1971.
By the early 1970s, public opposition had grown. Australia ended conscription and withdrew most combat troops in 1972, before officially ending its commitment in 1973.
