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The purpose of the "White Australia" policy was essentially to protect Australia from infiltration by Asian cultures. Although introduced at Federation, it was actually a legacy dating back to goldrush times. 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. Some stayed and set up businesses in towns, but they were always looked down upon.

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, there was a push for Federation (which eventually happened in 1901) which would eliminate unwanted foreigners, providing more employment for Australians.

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What year did the White Australia Policy finish?

The White Australia Policy, which restricted the entry of non-white immigrants into the country, ended in 1973.


What is the name of the policy in Australia that promoted immigration from Europe and North America at the expense of other groups?

White Australia Policy


What was in the minds of those who introduced the White Australia Policy?

The mind of those who introduced the White Australia Policy was that without the policy Australia would be overrun by the Asians. People opposed to the intolerant bill pointed to Canada and New Zealand for example of countries with out such policy who were not being overtaken.


For many years Australia had an immigration policy that?

that only let white people enter the country


What effect did the white Australia policy have on Australia?

Basically, when Australia became a federation in 1901 the establishment of the white Australia policy could actually be done as there was now one SINGLE government controlling immigration. Immigration (or the restriction of immigration) was one of the reasons that people wanted Australia to become a federation. Prior to Federation, some Australians believed Federation would enable the development and maintenance of a "White Australia", by toughening immigration laws. 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. Some stayed and set up businesses in towns, but they were always looked down upon. 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.