MEDIA RELEASE - 03

Tuesday 9 May 2006

COMMEMORATING AUSTRALIA’S CONTRIBUTION IN VIETNAM

Australia’s contribution in the Vietnam War will be the focus of the Australian Government’s commemorations program during 2006 with a $4.5 million funding boost as part of the veterans’ affairs budget.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said the Australian Government had committed $4.5 million to recognise and commemorate the service of Australians during the Vietnam War.

Mr Billson said 18 August 2006 marked the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, arguably the most well-known Australian action during the Vietnam War and the day selected by the Vietnam veteran community as Vietnam Veterans Day.

“This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to recognise and commemorate the service of all Australian servicemen and women in Vietnam.

“The Australian Government has committed $4.5 million to support a range of special events and initiatives to recognise the contribution of those Australians who served in Vietnam and to increase community awareness of their wartime and post-war experiences.”

Some of the initiatives include:

developing an online nominal roll of Vietnam veterans and establishing a website focusing on Australia’s involvement in Vietnam and other South-East Asian conflicts;
expanding the Long Tan Bursary Scheme from 30 $6000 bursaries to 50 $9000 bursaries paid as $3000 a year for three years and broadening the eligibility criteria;
grants for museums that record Australia’s experiences in Vietnam;
a commemorative service at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial and a concert at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra; and
grants for State and Territory-based activities, including ceremonies and reunions, in addition to the local grant opportunities available through the Saluting Their Service commemorations program.

Mr Billson said the Australian Government had closely consulted the Vietnam veteran community in developing this range of initiatives and would continue to work with them in the implementation to ensure their great service and sacrifice is acknowledged.

Most activities will be held on or around Vietnam Veterans’ Day; the nominal roll is expected to be completed for Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2007 and the website completed in 2008-09.

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442