 By the end of the war , Australians were far more circumspect . The nation 's involvement cost more than 60 @,@ 000 Australian lives and many more were left unable to work as a result of their injuries . The impact of the war was felt in many other areas as well . Financially it was very costly , while the effect on the social and political landscape was considerable and threatened to cause serious divides in the nation 's social fabric . Conscription was possibly the most contentious issue and ultimately , despite having conscription for home service , Australia was one of only two combatants not to use conscripts in the fighting . Nevertheless , for many Australians the nation 's involvement in World War I and the Gallipoli campaign was seen as a symbol of its emergence as an international actor , while many of the notions of the Australian character and nationhood that exist today have their origins in the war and Anzac Day is commemorated as a national holiday . 
