The Vietnamese government has agreed to ease its restrictions for the public to access to the Long Tan Cross memorial site but visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
Earlier the Australian government voiced its disappointment with Vietnam’s last minute decision to cancel its commemoration ceremony at the 50th anniversary of the historic battle of Long Tan.
Veteran Affairs Minister Dan Tehan yesterday called the move a “kick in the guts”.
Vietnamese authorities say they decided to abandon the service because of local sensitivities.
“We have been working with the Vietnamese government for over 18 months towards making sure this commemoration ceremony took place in a low key, dignified and respectful way,” Mr Tehan said.
“For us to be given such short notice of the cancellation is, to put it very frank terms, a kick in the guts.”
But this morning the Federal Government’s travel site Smart Traveller tweeted that small groups would be allowed access to the site however the service was still cancelled.
The concession comes as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke to his Vietnamese counterpart overnight.
The PM reportedly asked Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to consider those veterans who had travelled to Long Tan in good faith.
Anyone travelling to the site are told they should not to wear medals – a directive which is consistent with past services.
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