Editorial: Anzac ballot system unfair

Tim O'Brien, the son of a Gallipoli veteran, believes other children of veterans who fought in the battle should be going to the commemorations.

Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse is in the firing line for the way the ballot for places at next year's centennial commemoration has been handled.

In the Bay of Plenty Times yesterday, Tim O'Brien, the son of a Gallipoli veteran, spoke out in support of other children of veterans who fought in the battle who had missed out on going to the commemorations.

Like many others, Mr O'Brien believed he was guaranteed a ticket to the commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula in April next year.

However, he was surprised to learn he had not won selection.

More than 190 children of those who fought on the peninsula applied for tickets but only 35 double passes were allocated.

It appears the Government grossly underestimated the number of veterans' children alive and fit enough to handle camping out for the night, and walking the 8km from Gallipoli Cove to Chunuk Bair.

Mr O'Brien changed his mind about going to the Anzac service after entering the ballot and decided he would rather visit Chunuk Bair in August - 100 years to the day after his father, John William O'Brien, was wounded there. But he believes others should be given the opportunity to go if they wish.

Mr Woodhouse says while 90 per cent of all applicants who entered the ballot missed out, a third of all children of Gallipoli veterans entered in the ballot were successful.

In other words, two thirds missed out.

The Minister needs to review the criteria for the children of Gallipoli veterans.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

On Anzac Day we remember the sacrifices these soldiers made for this country and acknowledge the importance of the campaign in terms of our national identity.

We should further honour their memory by ensuring their children can attend the commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next year.

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