Australian Government Multicultural Policy review - Research Assignment

Internal Code: MAS5799

Research Assignment:

Australia's approach to immigration from federation until the latter part of the 20th century, in effect, excluded non-European immigration. The 'White Australia' policy as it was commonly described was progressively dismantled by the Australian Government after World War II. The prevailing attitude to migrant settlement up until this time was based on the expectation of assimilation—that is, that migrants should shed their cultures and languages and rapidly become indistinguishable from the host population. From the mid-1960s until 1973, when the final vestiges of the 'White Australia' policy were removed, policies started to examine assumptions about assimilation. They recognised that large numbers of migrants, especially those whose first language was not English, experienced hardships as they settled in Australia, and required more direct assistance. They also recognised the importance of ethnic organisations in helping with the migrant settlement. Expenditure on migrant assistance and welfare increased in the early 1970s in response to these needs. Questions: 1) Critique all aspects of the policy, justifying aspects you see as positive and those that you feel need improvement. Support your statements with relevant research.