Only 8000 Aussies at Gallipoli

JUST 8000 Australians will be able to attend the 100th anniversary Anzac Day dawn service at Gallipoli in 2015, with the Gillard government agreeing to cap attendance at the event at 10,500 people despite some assessments the site could accommodate more spectators.

Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon yesterday announced the governments of Turkey, Australia and New Zealand had agreed the safe capacity of the Anzac Commemorative Site was 10,500 people, 5000 fewer than previously assessed.

"To ensure the safety of visitors, extensive investigations have been conducted and the capacity is based on a rigorous independent analysis," he said. Mr Snowdown said 8000 places would be open to Australians who wanted to pay their respects to the Diggers who lost their lives at Gallipoli.

A further 2000 places would be for New Zealanders and 500 places for "official guests and representatives from Commonwealth and other nations".

Mr Snowdon said the eligible Australians would be selected by a ballot, which he described as being "the fairest and most equitable method, ensuring a transparent and open process for allocating the attendance places".

It is understood the ballot, which has been criticised by some tour leaders, will be held early next year.