Search | naa.gov.au

Justifying Australia's migration policy – memorandum from Department of External Affairs

Memorandum by Arthur Calwell regarding Australian immigration policy.
From Malta to Melbourne

The Malta-Australia Migration Agreement and a young shipwright named Anthony Grima.
Migrants learn English at the Bathurst Reception Centre, New South Wales

In the aftermath of World War II, the Australian Government embarked on a large-scale immigration program in order to strengthen the economy, infrastructure and defence of the nation.
Letter from NSW Premier's Department protesting against 'criminal' migrants

This is a letter from the NSW Premier's Department (addressed to Prime Minister Stanley Bruce), in protest against allowing foreign 'criminals' into Australia.
The case of Indian migrant Ellum Deen – letter to Department of External Affairs

Letter to the Secretary, Department of External Affairs, regarding Ellum Deen.
Circumstances when non-white migrants may be accepted – minister's powers

Document regarding a Cabinet decision to amend the Policy for the Admission of Persons of Mixed-Race.
Photograph of migrant from application for certificate of exemption from the dictation test

This is a black-and-white photograph of Shadee Khan, a camel driver who arrived in Australia in the late 19th century.
Support to change White Australia policy to accept some Asian migrants

Newspaper article written by JF Cairns, Senior Lecturer in Economic History, University of Melbourne.
Migrant rights of Syrians based on race – letter to the Minister for External Affairs

Letter to the Minister for External Affairs regarding the Syrian race.
Sponsor a migrant scheme – cartoon from Bring Out A Briton campaign

A cartoon making light of European immigration to Australia.
Potential deportation of Chinese migrants from Australia – views of the Singapore government

Confidential letter from the Colonial Secretary, Singapore to the Australian Commissioner for Malaya.
Employment and military service of migrant pearl worker – letter to Arthur Calwell

Letter to Arthur Calwell from the Department of Immigration, requesting information on the service of ex-soldier and immigrant Samsudin Bin Katib.
Prime Minister Ben Chifley and Immigration Minister greet postwar migrants

This is a photograph taken in 1947 of Prime Minister Ben Chifley greeting a recently arrived immigrant outside (Old) Parliament House in Canberra.
The Immigration Restriction Act 1901

The Immigration Restriction Act 1901, also known as the White Australia policy, affected migrants who came to Australia between 1901 and 1958.
Restrictions of other countries' migration policies – extract from a speech by Arthur Calwell

Excerpt from Arthur Calwell's speech, with handwritten comments regarding restrictive or exclusionist immigration policies of other nations, 1949.
Migration of European war-orphans – comments by acting Prime Minister Francis Forde

A newspaper article from the Sydney Morning Herald on 7 June 1944, about Acting Prime Minister Forde's proposal to bring war orphans from Europe to Australia.
Sofia Kallos

Sofia Kallos migrated Greece in 1956 for an arranged marriage to another a Greek migrant, who she had never met before.
Deported Malaysian migrant – queries over eligibility of wife and child to accompany husband

This is a letter from RH Jones to the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner in Malaya.
Requested extension to certificate of exemption – letter from migrant to the Secretary, Department of the Interior

This letter is about the 'White Australia Policy' , Immigration Restriction Act 1901 and the dictation test.
German migrant inspecting sign for Silk and Textile Printers employee housing in Tasmania

German-born Kasper Spiegel inspecting a sign advertising 'Alcorso Village'. Alcorso Village is a housing development for employees of Silk and Textile Printers.