The study is the work of market researchers Colmar Brunton, and was undertaken on behalf of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary. It is believed to have cost nearly $370,000.

It claims that commemorating Australia’s military conflicts could be divisive in multicultural Australia.

However, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly, the RSL, and migrants themselves have rejected this emphatically.

“I believe the way this nation commemorates Anzac Day is entirely appropriate, and involves recognition of all cultural groups and creeds who sacrificed in the defence of peace and freedom of this nation,” Mr Kelly said.

Moruya RSL Sub Branch president Rob Griffith was more forthright.

“It’s a load of crap,” he said.

“It’s just so-called political correctness.”

Batemans Bay RSL Sub Branch president Brad Avis holds similar views.

“The whole thing’s ridiculous,” he said.

“It’s just normal political bull****. Anzac Day doesn’t offend anyone. What a waste of money - why couldn’t they have given it to people who need it?”

Caseys Beach’s Ursula Mittelstadt migrated to Australia 30 years ago, having lived under the reign of Nazi Germany and communist East Germany.

She lived in both Lubeck and Dresden, German cities heavily bombed by the Allies in World War II. Her late husband was persecuted by the East German authorities because he spoke out against the government.

She attends Anzac Day commemorations every year.

“It is a day to remember those who have died, and we never should forget them,” she said.

“I love this country because of its freedom. Australians are very happy and lucky because here you can say what you think, and it is thanks to those who fought and died.”

Roy Samarawickrama, who came to Australia three years ago from Sri Lanka, holds similar views.

“It is a good idea to commemorate people who have died in war, and I don’t think it is offensive,” he said.

“We have similar commemorations in my home country, and it is good.”