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The "White Australia" policy, although introduced at Federation, was actually a legacy dating back to goldrush times. This is when it began, albeit unofficially.

Some Australians wanted a "White Australia" policy and to have Immigration laws toughened. There was lingering resentment over the Chinese who had come during the gold rush, made their fortune (as they were far more industrious than Australians) and then returned to their own country, taking their fortune with them.

The "official" White Australia policy was integrated into the Australian constitution at federation in 1901. It was hoped by some (not all) that a White Australia policy would ensure employment for Australians. Some colonies were opposed to this policy as they used foreign labour, which was often much cheaper than local labour. An example of this is Queensland, which employed Kanakas (people from the Cook Islands). Under the new constitution, not only the Kanakas, but also the much-feared Chinese, who came to Australia during the gold rush, would not be allowed into Australia. Thus Federation would eliminate unwanted foreigners, providing more employment for Australians.

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11y ago

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