The immigration Act received a lot of support in the latter half of the 19th century when non-white labour was being used for work. In the goldfields it was the Chinese, on the sugarcane plantations’ it was the Kanakas and the deep sea diving was done by the Japanese. This bought about attitudes of British superiority, to ignite this attitude it was spread through literature which in turn was read to children at school. Restricted immigration policy was in full swing in Australia from 1901 The policy also restricted the rights and freedoms of non-whites within Australia including Aboriginal people.
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The policy favoured applicants from certain countries; (Mainly from Britain) this however meant that Australia would not let in all migrants from different countries, especially if you were not European looking. Hence no Asians, the main reason was FEAR, fear for loss of jobs. Chinese were far more industrious than Australians of the time and very hard working. This was especially true during the gold rush era, Chinese came and made their fortune, and majority took their fortune back to their own country.
Page1 Some Chinese stayed and set up businesses in town, however were considered a lower class, and frowned upon. For most Chinese the risks outweighed a longing for prosperity and for some a better life. Post war immigration was also a time where Australia was receiving large amounts of immigrants. These Europeans were committed to family and had a desire to escape poverty and war persecution. These Europeans looked like us, they were dressed similar to us and their skin was white.
The only catch was that English was not their first language, so they found it very hard to communicate and get on in Australia with Australians. One of the many barriers these migrants faced was that they were expected to completely disown their Country of origin, do away with their language, traditions and culture. Another barrier some faced was once these immigrants landed on our Australian shores from a very long boat ride, some were subjected to a Dictation test.
This written test was a method which enabled immigration officials to exclude individuals on the basis of race without explicitly saying so – (between 1902-1903 only 46 people passed the test out of 805 who were given it, no- one was able to pass the dictation test up until 1909. ) The test could be given to the individual in any language, not necessarily his country of origin or in English. If you did not pass you were sent back to your country of origin or even jailed. Source from Wikipedia- immigration restriction act 1901.
This test was not abolished until 1958. Work was scarce; life was hard these Europeans got by with the mind set help each other stick together, safety in numbers. In labour – factory works these Europeans accepted lower standard of living and work for lower wages. As a result of accepting these lower wages and standards the European immigrant was not accepted and in most part was resented within the Australian community post war. Page 2 Personal Reflection: I personally admire a majority of immigrants who came to Australia during the white Australian policy.
Our Country has been shaped by their industrious attitude and enriched in many areas from business to the arts; On an Economic note the post-war immigrant has benefited Australian life in many ways. These post war immigrants affected the demand side of Australia’s economy through: * migrants’ own spending (food, housing and leisure activities) * business expansion (investment to produce extra goods and services) * Expansion of government services (health, education and welfare).
It also affects the supply side of the economy through: * labour, skills and capital introduced into Australia * new businesses developed by migrants These migrants like all Australians were paying tax; as a result migrants generated surpluses for the Australian government. I say shame on our Government for ever passing such an act. Bibliography: www. wikipedia. org/whiteaustralia www. wikipedia. org/racisminaustalia www. mycoralcoast. com. au page 3
