A set of discriminatory laws implemented by the Australian government, primarily between 1901 and the mid-1970s, restricted non-European immigration to Australia. Its formal name was the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901. This legislation aimed to create a homogenous, predominantly British society by effectively excluding people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. A dictation test, administered in any European language, was used to prevent unwanted migrants from entering the country. This test was designed to be impossible to pass for those deemed undesirable by immigration officials, irrespective of their literacy or skills.
The significance of this policy lies in its reflection of prevalent racial ideologies and anxieties of the era. It demonstrates the desire to preserve perceived cultural and ethnic purity within a newly formed nation. This policy had significant long-term effects, shaping Australia’s demographics, social structures, and international relations. It also serves as a case study for understanding the global phenomenon of exclusionary immigration policies based on race and ethnicity. Its dismantling in the latter half of the 20th century marked a significant shift towards multiculturalism and a more inclusive national identity.
