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Changing Rights and Freedoms
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Immigration Restriction Act
As a part of Australia's first act as its own governing body, Australia created the Immigration Restriction act. This policy was borne of the ongoing and increasingly violent encounters with Asian peoples (namely Chinese) over the Australian gold rush which began in 1851. This legislation was passed by Edmund Barton, who was famously quoted as stating "two Wongs don't make a right". This act banned any non-European people from entering the country, while deporting those of "alien" decent. -
Populate or Perish
Australian government begins to formulate a plan to increase their defences in the threat of invasion through increasing its population rapidly. As the threat of invasion and communism were fresh on everyone's minds, the then Prime Minister, Ben Chifley with the help of the head of the Department of Information Arthur Calwell created the "White Australia" policy. -
Department of Immigration established
"It is my hope that for every foreign migrant there will be 10 people from the United Kingdom" Arthur Caldwell, Head of the Department of Immigration 1945.
It resolved that Australia should have annual population growth of two per cent, of which only half could come from natural increase. 70,000 immigrants a year were needed to make up the difference.
In keeping with policies, Chifley and Calwell set the ambitious target of nine British out of ten immigrants. -
Menzies Era
Continued the White Australia policy of immigration but tended to be more flexible where possible. This was done in an effort to reduce the bad reputation Australia had with Asian countries. As some Australians had stayed in Japan post WW2, they had married what was then termed "war brides" and started families. These Australians husbands were furious as they could not bring their family home. This led to the abolishment of White Australia policy in 1952. -
Migration Act - Harold Holt
This act brought about the complete abolishment of the "White Australia Policy" through the creation of a new, more tolerant standing on immigration. Also fondly termed the "Watershed" of Australia's immigration policies. The Amendments:
Legislated that all migrants, regardless of origin, be eligible to obtain citizenship after three years of permanent residence.
Ratified all international agreements relating to immigration and race.
Issued policy to totally disregard race as a factor. -
Racial Descrimination act is born
Created under Gough Whitlam's reign as Prime minister.
This Act makes it against the law to treat you unfairly, or to discriminate against you, on the grounds of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, and immigration status.
For more infomation -http://www.racismnoway.com.au/teaching-resources/factsheets/11.html -
Fitzgerald Inguiry
In 1988 the Fitzgerald Inquiry led to further changes in migration with a move away from ‘family reunion’ and towards an emphasis on skilled and business categories. This was a move to increase economic structures throughout Australia with skilled migrants increasing productivity. -
Latest Immigration Policy
"As of today asylum seekers who come here by boat without a visa will never be settled in Australia" They will instead be sent to PNG for processing and, if found to be refugees, will be settled there.
