10 Mar 1971 Sir William McMahon replaces Gorton as Liberal leader and Prime Minister.
30 Mar 1971 Prime Minister McMahon announces further cuts in Australian forces in South Vietnam, including withdrawal of the tank squadron, RAAF Canberra bomber squadron and some Caribou transport aircraft.
30 Jun 1971 Third and last of the big anti-war rallies. About 110,000 demonstrate in State capitals.
18 Aug 1971 The Prime Minister announces the bulk of Australian forces in South Vietnam are to be withdrawn, leaving only a modified training team. The period of national service is reduced from two years to 18 months.
06 Oct 1971 3 RAR is airlifted onto HMS Sydney, leaving only one battalion at Nui Dat.
07 Nov 1971 4 RAR moves out of Nui Dat to Vung Tau, ending Australian combat operations in Phuoc Tuy province.
27 Jan 1972 USA and North Vietnam sign a peace agreement.
05 Mar 1972 The last Australian logistic units leave Vung Tau and Australia’s commitment in South Vietnam returns to a training role with the 150-man Australian Assistance Group, Vietnam (AAAGV) and the AATTV.
02 Dec 1972 Australian Labor Party elected to Government
