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Why Australia wanted a White Australia policy

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Old poster showing map of Australia with song lyrics, banner at top reads "White Australia"
Why Australia wanted a White Australia policy

SUBJECTS:  Civics and Citizenship, History

YEARS:  5–6, 9–10


The Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 was designed to limit non-British immigration to Australia.

It came to be known as the White Australia policy.

In some quarters, people of non-British (and especially non-European) heritage were regarded as being inferior, greedy or unable to fit in with dominant Australian society.

Many Australians wanted their country to remain a paradise for white, working men and their homemaking wives.

Learn more in this fascinating clip.



Production Date: 2019


Copyright

Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2020 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

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