Anzac’s Long Shadow

A work that has attracted controversy for the author’s criticism of what some see as the social, emotional and financial costs of an ‘Anzac industry’. Investment of large sums for military commemoration is contrasted against funding levels for national defence and veterans’ support services, asking – provocatively – if ‘Anzac’s long shadow’ is to the detriment of modern defence and veterans' issues. Irrespective of the reader’s position, the book stimulates thinking around national funding priorities in defence, veterans support, and commemorative activities, and asks if the balance is right.