The Australian Home-front in World War II

Soon after the war broke out in Europe, the Australian government decided to introduce conscription for the defence of Australia and her territories. This meant there would be military conscription as well as industrial conscription. Rationing was introduced along with censorship and the National Security Act of 1939, which meant that all Germans, Italians and Japanese were interned. During the war, women played an important role in the defence forces, the Women’s Land Army, in the workforce and with volunteer work.

As a result of the more serious situation facing Australia in World War II, conscription was introduced with virtually no opposition. This was because the situation was far more serious than in 1916 because for most of the first two years of the war Britain was fighting Hitler alone and possibility of defeat was great. The fall of Singapore and the advance of the Japanese forces through South-East Asia placed Australia under direct threat> Australia was attack by Japanese forces from Broome to Townsville to Sydney and the Japanese nearly captured Port Moresby

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This was because more goods had to be produced to support the war effort and so the necessary jobs required more people to help with the production of supplies and equipment. As the war progressed, they were encouraged into “men’s” jobs because there was a lack of people in these industries and they were seen as being important to the war effort. Those involved in war work were paid more than women in non-war work, such as clothing and textiles and food production.

From the above facts, it can be argued that introducing conscription was a good idea as it meant there would be more troops to defend Australia. People in category B were those who had the opportunity for sabotage and spying. It can clearly be seen from the above facts that the women’s volunteer work played a vital role in the war as it helped supply troops with items. This was because most of the fighting was taking place in Europe and there was not much action close to Australia at the time. Members of the Land Army were involved in vegetable and fruit growing, packing and grading fruit, raising pigs and poultry, growing and harvesting cotton, flax and tobacco, dairying, stock work and a variety of jobs associated with sheep and wool. The introduction of censorship also meant that Australia could be better protected because information on troops whereabouts could not reach the enemy. The government also encouraged women to join the workforce.

Most goods were in short supply during the war and substantial supplies of food and clothing were needed for the troops so they could continue fighting. Conscription was introduced in October 1939. Among the issues never allowed in print were troop movements or military plans. This was because the government didn’t want the enemy to gather any information about the location of Australian troops. From the above facts it can be seen that these women worked hard, learned new skills and gained the praise and respect of the people who employed them.

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Approximate Word count = 2590
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)

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