Conscription was introduced into Australia as a result of World War II. This gave the government the power to conscript men between the ages of 18 and 60 for services with in Australia. These men formed the militia units known as the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). In the previous war, World War 1, the idea of conscription was consequential as it brought much division in Australia. As a result of these conflicting thoughts on conscription, 2 referendums were conducted and in both cases it was not passed. It is clear from this that the public did not want to send young men to fight overseas.
In World War 2 conscription was needed as there was a Japanese invasion threat. Upon the outbreak of World War 2, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies instituted conscription. After the bombing of Darwin, there was much fear amongst the Australian citizens as they believed that there would soon be a successful invasion. In addition, Australia wanted the country’s war effort to be taken seriously by the rest of the world and so drastic changes were made relating to conscription. American soldiers were stationed in Australia and Curtin, the current prime minister of the time was concerned about the impression they had on the Americans. The American soldiers were conscripts yet they sent were sent thousands of kilometres away to defend a country that was not even their own. This feeling of concern urged him to change the law and allow Conscripted soldiers to serve in all areas south of the equator in South East Asia.
One of the places the Australian conscripted soldiers went to was Papua New Guinea. These soldiers were much needed as the Japanese planned to occupy Port Moresby and during that time, PNG was a part of Australian territory. Australia was threatened in this case, conscription was essential. Many of the Australian men were part of the AIF and seriously damaged by injury, disease and exhaustion. Hence, conscription was needed in Australia, not only for protection but to also to maintain a good reputation amongst countries overseas. There was some discontent about the change in policy, however the majority of Australians were genuinely concerned about the Japanese threat. Any defence the Australian government could provide was welcomed.
In World War 2 conscription was needed as there was a Japanese invasion threat. Upon the outbreak of World War 2, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies instituted conscription. After the bombing of Darwin, there was much fear amongst the Australian citizens as they believed that there would soon be a successful invasion. In addition, Australia wanted the country’s war effort to be taken seriously by the rest of the world and so drastic changes were made relating to conscription. American soldiers were stationed in Australia and Curtin, the current prime minister of the time was concerned about the impression they had on the Americans. The American soldiers were conscripts yet they sent were sent thousands of kilometres away to defend a country that was not even their own. This feeling of concern urged him to change the law and allow Conscripted soldiers to serve in all areas south of the equator in South East Asia.
One of the places the Australian conscripted soldiers went to was Papua New Guinea. These soldiers were much needed as the Japanese planned to occupy Port Moresby and during that time, PNG was a part of Australian territory. Australia was threatened in this case, conscription was essential. Many of the Australian men were part of the AIF and seriously damaged by injury, disease and exhaustion. Hence, conscription was needed in Australia, not only for protection but to also to maintain a good reputation amongst countries overseas. There was some discontent about the change in policy, however the majority of Australians were genuinely concerned about the Japanese threat. Any defence the Australian government could provide was welcomed.