The Vietnam War was the longest conflict in which Australians have been involved; it lasted ten years, from 1962 to 1972, and involved some 60,000 personnel. A limited initial commitment of just 30 military advisers grew to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force.
This source is a speech addressing parliament about the impact the then current Iraq War was having on Australia. A very detailed speech that contains credible information and statistics.
Late 1960s and early 1970s were a time that saw the rise of protest movements across Australia. Causes included: Opposition to the Vietnam War, Racial equality, Equal rights for women and Environmental protection Protest was not simply between generations ie the young and the old, it was more complex.
The arguments for and against, Recruitment and conscription, Australia and World War I, History, NSW Introduction The Australian Prime Minister William Hughes' call for conscription was a consequence of heavy Australian casualties being experienced on the Western Front in World War I and a decline in volunteers to enlist to fight at home.