There will be no official Anzac Day commemoration at the Long Tan Cross site this year, after the Vietnamese government decided not to lift the ban on restricted access.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan has confirmed small groups will be allowed in for "low-key" visits to the site, without media.
“While disappointing, we respect Vietnam’s right as a sovereign nation to determine the nature of commemorations held on its soil," Minister Tehan said.
The minister thanked the Vietnamese government for allowing small groups onto the site and said Australians heading to Vietnam for Anzac Day should "plan accordingly".
“We will communicate with veterans and the public should the situation change,” he said.
Last August, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Vietnam had shown a disregard for veterans over the decision not to permit those wanting to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
“This decision, and especially its timing, shows a disregard for those Australians who have in good faith travelled to Vietnam to participate in this week’s events,” Mr Turnbull said at the time.
The cancellation was after 18-months of negotiation between Vietnamese and Australian governments, after the country cited concerns about local sensitivities over the battle.
Travellers have been advised on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website about the cancellation.
"The Vietnamese Government has advised that it will not permit official commemorations at the Long Tan site, including on Anzac Day 2017," DFAT said.
"[It] has indicated that access to the Long Tan Cross site will remain open to small groups of people for contemplative private visits without media coverage, but this may change at short notice."
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