What was the 1901 White Australia policy?

The Act came into law on 23 December 1901. The Act gave immigration officers the power to make any non-European migrant sit a 50-word dictation test. This was initially given in any European language, and after 1905 in any prescribed language.

What was the purpose of the White Australia policy?

This Act, known as the White Australia policy, aimed to not only restrict numbers of non-white migrants to Australia, but also to deport ‘undesirable’ migrants who were already in the country.

Did Gough Whitlam end the White Australia policy?

Whitlam brought about the comprehensive legal end of the White Australia policy in 1973 as Prime Minister. The Whitlam Labor government implemented a series of amendments preventing the enforcement of racial aspects of the immigration law.

Which government abolished the White Australia policy?

Over subsequent years Australian governments gradually dismantled the policy with the final vestiges being removed in 1973 by the new Labor government. The origins of the ‘White Australia’ policy can be traced to the 1850s.

Who was affected by the immigration Act of 1901?

The Immigration Restriction Act 1901 was an Act of the Parliament of Australia which limited immigration to Australia and formed the basis of the White Australia policy which sought to exclude all non-Europeans from Australia.

When did the White Australia policy begin and end?

The Immigration Restriction Act 1901, also known as the White Australia policy, affected migrants who came to Australia between 1901 and 1958.

Who introduced White Australia policy?

Prime Minister Edmund Barton
The Immigration Restriction Bill, which enacted the white Australia policy, was initiated in the House of Representatives by Prime Minister Edmund Barton on 5 June 1901, nine sitting days after the Duke of York had opened the Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901.

Why is the 1901 Act so important to understand?

The Immigration Restriction Act was one of the first Commonwealth laws passed after Federation. It was based on the existing laws of the colonies. The aim of the law was to limit non-white (particularly Asian) immigration to Australia, to help keep Australia ‘British’.