Gallipoli Ballot at Anzac Centenary

The Australian Government announced that Anzac centenary commemorations at Gallipoli will be open to ticket holders decided by a ballot. The Government also stipulated this afternoon that:

• A total of 10,000 places will be shared between Australia and New Zealand
• On an 80/20 split, 8,000 Australians will be allocated tickets
• In fairness to all those hoping to attend, entry will be decided by a ballot.

Details of the Anzac Ballot, including the ticket application process will be made public early in 2013. Minister Warren Snowden explained during his announcement today that a range of geographic and safety concerns had led to the decision, as well as a desire to have a fair and open process.

It is anticipated that as many as 50,000 Australians will make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli during 2015, to commemorate the centenary of the ANZAC landing. While there had been some discussion about any ballot giving precedence to diggers' descendants, this option has been ruled out.

The Minister has not made public any thoughts about thousands of people who would wish to go to Gallipoli and would not have a ticket. This seems rather ironic that the Government has not considered the plight or wishes of many thousands of Australians who would want to witness the once-in-a life time event where it happened on its centenary. Although Gallipoli-2015 has a cruise ship planned from Istanbul to Gallipoli, where this announcement would not have any major impact on its participation at the commemorative events off Anzac Cove, the decision is seen as less than satisfactory for the wider Australian community.

If one looks at the map of Gallipoli closely, it is easy to see that there are many locations along the Aegean Sea, both North and South of Anzac Cove that people could congregate and be part of this unique event. The technology of today would allow setting up of big screens to follow the ceremonies happening at Anzac Commemorative Area. With the additional security measures and other required facilities, such arrangements would have a cost. The Australian people should be given a chance to exercise their choice on such an important matter. It is entirely possible that people would not mind spending extra funds for such an important event.

For further information, please contact:

Dr John Basarin

Email: [email protected]