What are we fighting for?

From 1965 until 1972 every young man turning 20 in Australia faced the prospect of their birth date being randomly selected, and being compelled to register for the army, with the real possibility of having to go and fight in the Vietnam War. There were many who believed the War and the Law were wrong and made the decision to participate in civil disobedience to show their dissent. This film seeks to acknowledge the motives and sacrifices of those who refused to register and those who opposed the War. Their cause eventually changed the beliefs of a nation and brought about a change of Government. It is hoped that their stories will inspire future generations to fight for their beliefs.

When is it justified to break the Law? When and how should Governments be called to account? This documentary highlights the actions, courage and sacrifices of those who believed that Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was immoral and that the country was heartlessly using National Servicemen to fight it. It is an historical tribute to those who protested and offers encouragement to those who seek to fight for justice today.

Short-term
Protesters of the times will see their efforts acknowledged and be able to share their experiences with family and friends. Viewers will have greater understanding of what was at stake in these tumultuous times and of the extensive social unrest that included the anti Vietnam War and Conscription demonstrations.
Medium-term
Legal Studies and Social Studies classes in schools will be encouraged to use the film as a vehicle to discuss the legal, philosophical and moral outcomes of taking action in support of strongly held beliefs. To consider the concept of social conscience and whether it is ever lawful to break the law?
Long-term
It is hoped that the spirit of the film – that sustained and values based protest can bring about change – will permeate through society and provide inspiration to future social action groups.
The actions of those who resisted the War and Conscription will be remembered as a significant part of South Australian history.

These are informal partnerships as essentially this is an independent production. The organisations and individuals mentioned here have been helpful to us in our research of the topic and in guiding the direction of the film. As well as those who agreed to be interviewed for the documentary, they have also been generous in sharing information and resources with us:
Draft Resisters Union, Independent and Peaceful Australia Network, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Centre for Democracy, History Trust of SA, SA Unions, Labour History Society. Lynn Arnold, one of the organisers of the Vietnam War Moratorium Campaign in South Australia, and Carolyn Collins, the author of Save our Sons, both gave us invaluable links to activists from the time. Malcolm McKinnon who has interviewed protesters as part of his previous documentaries, Defining Times et al, has assisted with links to footage and people.

Rather than specific actions related to the film, we hope that people are informed and inspired in the first instance, that they feel empowered in their own lives to question government policy and societal norms, and take appropriate action to redress the things that they find wrong in the world. We hope that on viewing, that all our partners will embrace and promote the film through their websites and Facebook sites, that it will provoke memories for some, be an inspiration for others and increase awareness of South Australian history.