The threat and ultimate fear of communism eventually overtaking Australia was primarily the key reason for Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War. Initially, there was no opposition to the war. See Early Support for the War. However, when the Australian public knew more about the war and its causes, people started to dislike the fact that Australia was involved.

AsConscription for twenty-two year olds was introduced in 1964, people began their dislike for the war and for the way that their family members were forced to fight. The Labor Party was especially opposed to the war and promised that if it was voted into parliament, it would remove troops from Vietnam.

The Unites States’ involvement in the war also began to be opposed, starting gradually on several college campuses in 1964 (it was a time of unprecedented student activism with significant numbers of baby boomers reinforcing, as well as a wide range of citizens from varying classes) and this spread to Australia. The opposition to conscription was also along the lines of the Unites States.

There was growing dislike for the Vietnam War and it became unpopular. Many started to think that it was a civil war and Australia had no reason for taking part in it. Between 1967 and 1968 a strong anti-war movement began to form.

Most Australians were against communism, yet it was increasingly obvious to more and more people that it was going to be almost impossible to win. Like in the United States, student from universities and colleges joined the movement, with public protests rallying and the involvement of the media. The public also began to express hostility towards the Australian soldiers taking part in the war.

There were two large anti-war protests in Australian capital cities in 1970. These well-organised and peaceful demonstrations were called the Vietnam moratorium marches and included protests from organisations such as Save Our Sons. Protests continued into 1971 and between 71-72 they grew in strength, and created an attitude change for some supporters. Many people even left work to show how strongly they felt against the war.

The infamous peace sign was used frequently, seen everywhere in signs, roads and buildings, as Australia's resentment towards the war greatened and they realised that even as an ally to the US, there was no chance of winning. It was also presented in the moratorium marches, painted on signs and posters.