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Asia and Australia - Timeline

  • Early Asian Migration

    Early Asian Migration
    Asian people migrate to Australia, due to the Victorian Gold Rush.
  • Dictation Tests Made Mandatory

    Dictation Tests Made Mandatory
    Dictation Tests are made mandatory for all those entering Australia. This (and the White Australia Policy) cause much tension between Australia and its oriental counterparts.
  • The Korean War

    The Korean War
    The Korean War sparks, with Australia sending 17,000 troops.
  • Japanese Trade Re-established

    Japanese Trade Re-established
    Diplomatic relations between Japan and Australia are re-established, after a period of some contention over trade.
  • Migration Act Introduced

    Migration Act Introduced
    A watershed moment in Australian immigration history, Harold Holt’s government introduced the Migration Act of 1966. This act effectively dismantled the White Australia Policy, a great point of tension between Australia and Asian nations.
  • Relations With China Begin

    Relations With China Begin
    Under the Whitlam Government, Australia begins diplomatic relations with China.
  • Keating Government Links to Asia

    Keating Government Links to Asia
    Paul Keating’s Labour Government pledges to make Australia a republic, and to concentrate on creating links to Asia.
  • INTERFET Operation Launched

    INTERFET Operation Launched
    Australia leads the United Nations INTERFET force.
  • Boxing Day Aid Given

    Boxing Day Aid Given
    The Boxing Day Tsunami strikes, killing 200,000 people in Asia. Australia promised AUD$1 Billion, which it paid (this is tens of times more aid given than either the US, the Uk or China)