This essay aims at explaining the changes in Australia’s immigration policy since
1945 and the reasons why governments have implemented major changes. The
steps involved in Australia’s movement from the White Australia Policy towards
multiculturalism will be examined chronologically.
In order to understand the importance of the changes after the Second Word War
it is necessary to take a brief look at what policy had been in place until then.
From the day of the first settlement in Australia, the country has always been an
immigrant society. With the exception of Indigenous Australians, everybody’s
ancestors have emigrated from various destinations to live on the continent down
under since 1788. Besides the German (largely in South Australia) and the
Chinese minorities, a majority of them had British or Irish origin.1
The first regulation implemented to secure who was – or rather who was not – to
enter the country is known as the White Australia Policy. This policy had a
tremendous effect on immigration in Australia. The roots of this policy go back to
the 1850s, when Chinese immigrants working in the mines in Victoria and New
South Wales were discriminated against and resented by the white population.2
This was largely due to racist theories like Social Darwinism and a fear of non-
Europeans that was strong enough to lead to the Commonwealth Immigration
Restriction Act of 1901. Although these words were never explicitly documented
in the policy, it aimed at excluding non-European immigrants. [...]
1 James Jupp, From White Australia to Woomera: The Story of Australian Immigration,
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2002, p.5.
2 Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs, ‘Abolition of the ‘White
Australia’ Policy’, Fact Sheet 8, Canberra, 6 November 2002,
<http://www.immi.gov.au/facts/08abolition.htm>;, consulted 16 June 2003.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. White Australia Policy 1901-1947
3. Assimilationism 1947-mid 1960s
4. Integration mid 1960s-1972
5. Multiculturalism from 1972
6. John Howard and the Liberal Party
7. Current immigration schemes
8. The Humanitarian Program
9. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the evolution of Australian immigration policy since 1945, analyzing the transition from the restrictive White Australia Policy to a contemporary framework of multiculturalism. It investigates how shifting government priorities, economic drivers, and public sentiment have redefined national identity and border control.
- Historical transformation of immigration policies post-1945.
- Impact of socioeconomic factors on migrant intake criteria.
- The intersection of economic rationalism and humanitarian obligations.
- The evolution of the asylum seeker and refugee debate in Australia.
Excerpt from the Book
The first breach of purely European immigration occurred in 1951 under the Colombo Plan when a small number of Asian students were allowed to enter the country. This plan was the result of a Commonwealth Meeting on Foreign Affairs and was a start for creating positive relations in the Asia-Pacific. On an international level it counterbalanced the White Australia Policy.
In 1957 a further step was taken by allowing non-Europeans with 15 years residence to become Australian citizens. The Migration Act of 1958 was created to introduce a simpler system for entry although the selection criteria were not specified. It included the abolition of the dictation test as well as removal of references to race and nationality to form the basis of a new migration law which, with amendments, is still in force today.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the essay regarding post-war changes in Australian immigration policy and the chronological progression toward multiculturalism.
2. White Australia Policy 1901-1947: Examines the origins of exclusionary migration practices driven by Social Darwinism and early racist sentiment.
3. Assimilationism 1947-mid 1960s: Discusses the post-war efforts to maintain a British-aligned society through strict assimilation measures and controlled migration.
4. Integration mid 1960s-1972: Explores the shift from forced assimilation to a period acknowledging diverse needs among non-British European settlers.
5. Multiculturalism from 1972: Details the official abolition of the White Australia Policy and the adoption of a multicultural approach under the Whitlam government.
6. John Howard and the Liberal Party: Analyzes the focus on economic rationalism and stricter visa controls under the Liberal government from 1996.
7. Current immigration schemes: Reviews modern migration categories, emphasizing the priority placed on skilled labor and economic contributions.
8. The Humanitarian Program: Reviews the history of refugee intake and the controversial transition toward temporary protection visas and mandatory detention.
9. Conclusion: Summarizes how immigration remains fundamentally driven by economic considerations despite the official shift toward a multicultural society.
Keywords
Immigration policy, White Australia Policy, Multiculturalism, Assimilationism, Arthur Calwell, Colombo Plan, Migration Act, John Howard, Economic rationalism, Refugees, Humanitarian Program, Temporary protection visas, Skilled migration, Social Darwinism, Asylum seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the transformation of Australian immigration policies from 1945 to the early 2000s, specifically tracing the move from the White Australia Policy to a contemporary multicultural model.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the work?
The work covers historical migration trends, the political history of immigration regulation, the influence of economic policy on migrant selection, and the evolution of the treatment of refugees.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to explain in what ways and for what reasons government and community attitudes toward large-scale immigration changed throughout the post-war period.
Which methodology does the author utilize?
The author employs a chronological historical analysis, examining legislative changes, government policies, and key socio-political events that influenced migration shifts over several decades.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the White Australia Policy, the assimilation era, the emergence of multiculturalism, the impact of economic rationalism, contemporary skilled migration schemes, and the changing status of refugees.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Key terms include Immigration policy, White Australia Policy, Multiculturalism, Economic rationalism, and Humanitarian Program.
How did the 1992 Migration Amendment Act change the status of refugees?
It replaced the provision of immediate permanent residency for refugees with the introduction of four-year temporary protection visas.
What was the significance of the 2001 Tampa incident?
The incident led to the implementation of the "Pacific solution," where asylum seekers were detained on external islands at Australian expense while their applications were processed, marking a major shift in border control tactics.
- Quote paper
- Anke Bartl (Author), 2003, In what ways, and for what reasons, have government (and community) attitudes to large-scale immigration changed during the course of the post-war period?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/16260
