Protesters in front of Parliament House in Canberra waved placards describing the Vietnamese Communist Party as a "corrupt gang", "enemy of internet" and "traitors who sold out the country to China."
The Vietnamese Community in Australia says despite many rounds of dialogue on human rights, and more than a billion dollars in Australian aid going to the South East Asian nation, the human rights situation has not improved.
"The Vietnamese communist authorities continue to arrest, detail or imprison hundreds of dissents (sic)," the group said in a statement.
"These people face police intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention without access to their family or legal advisors."
While protestors chanted "Freedom for Vietnam" outside parliament house, inside the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Australia signed a wide-ranging deal.
It covered English-language training, peacekeeping missions, expanded co-operation for special forces, and response to disasters.
A work and holiday visa agreement will also open the door for 200 young people from both countries to participate in exchange programs.
