Social Policy Group
Dr Barry York - Social Policy Group
Last updated 16 June 2003
This Chronology is issued electronically. It will be kept
up-to-date online. The date of the latest update is noted clearly
above.
Part 2 of 10
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Chronology
1901-1980
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Details
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Source
Documents
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1901
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Australia's population, exclusive of so-called
'full-blooded Aboriginals' who were not counted, is
3 773 801 at the time of the 1901 Census. A total of
865 498 is born overseas (23 per cent of the population).
People from the United Kingdom are the largest overseas-born group
(679 159). The immigration policy of the new federated
Australian nation is based on racial exclusion, the notion of a
'White Australia'. There is no refugee policy but refugees, mainly
fleeing religious persecution in Germany, Hungary, Poland and
Italy, settled in Australia as unassisted immigrants during the
nineteenth century colonial era.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 19011907,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Melbourne, 1908, p.
147
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1901
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The Immigration (Restriction) Act is
passed by the new Commonwealth of Australia Parliament. The Act
does not mention race but seeks to prohibit the permanent
settlement of Asians, Africans and other coloured races through
Section 3(a). Under this provision, a dictation test may be
administered in any European language against an immigrant. It is
enforced mainly against Chinese arrivals and, coupled with
penalties against shipping companies, quickly proves effective in
deterring 'non-white' arrivals. Under the 'White Australia Policy',
non-European refugees are not welcome, though during World War Two,
more than 6000 Asian evacuees are admitted temporarily. The racism
inherent in the Act works against non-European refugee and migrant
intake for seven decades.
|
A. C.
Palfreeman, The Administration of the White
Australia Policy, Melbourne University Press,
1967, pp. 8185
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1911
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Australia's population, exclusive of so-called
'full-blooded Aboriginals' who were not counted, is
4 455 005 at the time of the 1911 Census. A total of
787 335 is born overseas (18 per cent of the population).
People from the United Kingdom are the largest overseas-born group
(590 722). The White Australia Policy remains the guiding
principle in immigration policy. Small numbers of refugees are
admitted, on the same basis as other 'white' immigrants, including
Jews fleeing imperial Russia and Russian Poland.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 19011913,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Melbourne, 1914, p.
120
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191418
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World War One brings immigration to a virtual
halt. In the period between 1905 and the war, Australia receives
390 000 new settlers, mainly from the British Isles. The war
creates a massive refugee problem in Europe. It also leads to the
formation of the League of Nations.
|
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs,
Immigration: Federation to Century's End, 19012000,
Canberra, 2001, p. 1
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1919
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Australia joins the League of Nations as a
founding member.
|
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1921
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Australia's population, exclusive of so-called
'full-blood Aboriginals' who were not counted, is
5 435 734 at the time of the 1921 Census. A total of
854 071 people are from overseas (16 per cent of the
population). People born in the British Isles are the largest group
(676 387). Australia has admitted small numbers of refugees
from Europe, perhaps no more than a few thousand, under the general
immigration program since 1901. The White Australia Policy remains
in force.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1924,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Melbourne, 1924, p.
921
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1921
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Australia supports the establishment of the
League's Office of Commissioner for Refugees and recognises the
League's special passports for people in need. During the 1920s,
some Russians, Greeks, Bulgarians, Armenians, Assyrians and Jews
are admitted into Australia, but the numbers are not significant.
They are only admitted in cases where they meet normal migration
criteria.
|
C.
Price, The Refugee Issue in Australia:
18381991, Working Papers No. 2, Australian Immigration
Research Centre, Deakin, ACT, 1990, p. 3
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1921
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The Australian Government takes control of
migrant selection from the States, under the Joint Commonwealth and
States Scheme.
|
|
1922
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The Hughes' and Bruce Governments pursue an
active mass immigration program under the Empire Settlement Act
1922. Assisted passages are provided by the British Government to
encourage British, mainly English and Scots, emigration to
Australia.
|
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1929
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Economic depression brings assisted
immigration to a halt. However, during the 1920s, more than
300 000 immigrants are admitted, of whom two-thirds are
assisted under the Empire Settlement Act.
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Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs,
Immigration: Federation to Century's End, 19012000,
Canberra, 2001, p. 3
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1933
|
Adolph Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
and incites violent anti-Semitism as part of his judenrein
program, i.e. the program to make Germany free of Jews. Thousands
of Jews seek protection in Britain, the United States, Canada and
Australia.
|
M.
Blakeney, Australia and the Jewish Refugees
19331948, Croom Helm Australia, Sydney, 1985, pp. 84100
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1933
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Australia's population, exclusive of so-called
'full-blood Aboriginals' who were not counted, is
6 629 839 at the time of the 1933 Census. A total of
903 273 is born overseas (14 per cent of the population).
People born in are the largest group (486 831), followed by
Scotland-born (132 489), Irish (78 652) and New
Zealanders (45 963). There are 26 756 Italian-born and
16 842 German-born residents. Australia has admitted small
numbers of refugees, no more than several thousand, under the
general immigration program since 1901. The White Australia Policy
remains in force.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1951,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Canberra, 1951, p.
550
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1938
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In July, Australia joins 31 other countries at
a conference in Evian-les-Bains, France, to discuss the urgent
Jewish refugee situation arising from the worsening situation in
Germany and Hitler's occupation of Austria. The Conference,
convened by the United States, establishes an Inter-governmental
Committee for Refugees. Australia's representative at Evian asserts
that, while Australia sympathises with the persecuted Jews and has
admitted approximately 700 since 1934, it does not want to import a
'racial problem'. Later in the year, after the German occupation of
the Sudetan area of Czechoslovakia, Australia agrees to receive
15 000 Jewish refugees over a three-year period. Seven
thousand are admitted before the intake is halted by war in Europe.
Settlement and post-settlement services are provided by the
Australian Jewish Welfare Society, which was founded with
government support in 1937.
|
P.
Bartrop (ed.), False Havens: the British Empire
and the Holocaust, University Press of America Inc., New
York, 1995, pp. 6465, pp. 130145
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1939
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World War Two causes cessation of significant
immigration but during the Pacific War, Australia admits 6269
non-Europeans, mainly crew of Asian ships stranded in Australian
ports and Chinese evacuees from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific
Islands. The majority are voluntarily repatriated after the war but
those who wish to stay are compelled to leave under special
legislation.
|
K.
Blackburn, 'Disguised Anti-Colonialism', Australian Journal of
International Affairs, vol. 55, no. 1, 2001, p. 103
|
1943
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Australia supports the establishment of the
United Nations' Relief and Rehabilitation Agency and makes
financial contributions to it, thus making a commitment to
international responsibility to refugee work.
|
National
Population Council, Refugee Review, AGPS, Canberra, 1991,
p. 63
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1945
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Australia's first Department of Immigration is
established on 13 July, with Hon. Arthur Calwell as Minister in the
Chifley Labor Government. An unprecedentedly ambitious mass
immigration program is undertaken, fuelled by a post-war economic
boom and the need for labour. The Government is committed to
increasing Australia's population by two per cent per annum, with
one per cent attained through immigration.
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|
1946
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In December, Australia abstains in the United
Nations General Assembly vote to establish the International
Refugee Organisation. Prime Minister Chifley is not opposed to the
IRO in principle but doesn't want Australia to incur any moral
responsibility for financial support.
|
ibid.,
p. 66
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1947
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Australia's population, exclusive of so-called
'full-blood Aboriginals' who were not counted, is
7 579 358 at the time of the 1947 Census. A total of
744 187 is born overseas (10 per cent of the population).
People from England are the largest group (381 592), followed
by Scots (102 998), Irish (44 813) and New Zealanders
(43 610). There are 33 632 Italians and 14 567
Germans. The largest humanitarian group is the Jews, who mainly
arrived from Germany and Austria in the 1930s. Official figures
were not kept on refugee numbers but it is possible that Australia
had admitted about 20 000 refugees since 1901. In 1947, the
first liberalisation of the White Australia Policy occurs when the
Chifley Government allows non-Europeans who had been admitted for
business reasons, and who had lived in Australia continuously for
fifteen years, to remain without applying for periodic extensions
of permit.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1951,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Canberra, 1951, p.
550
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1947
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In July, Australia enters into an agreement
with the International Refugee Organisation (IRO) to select and
admit displaced persons from camps in Europe. By 1952, Australia
has selected and admitted 170 700 Displaced Persons under this
scheme. The main groups are Poles (63 394), Yugoslavs
(23 543), Latvians (19 421), Ukrainians (14 464),
Hungarians (11 919), Lithuanians (9906), Czechs (9142) and
Estonians (5329). They are required to work for a period of two
years as directed by the Australian Government. For the first time,
the Australian Government is responsible for post-disembarkation
settlement services, such as accommodation and basic English
classes.
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Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra,
1953, p. 567
E. Kunz,
Displaced Persons: Calwell's New Australians, ANU Press,
1988, p. 43
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1949
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The Chifley Government passes the War-time
Refugees Removal Act in July, with a view to forcibly
repatriating approximately 900 non-Europeans who had been admitted
temporarily during the war. They had declined to be repatriated,
wishing to settle in Australia.
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A. C.
Palfreeman, op. cit., p. 102
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1949
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The election of Menzies' Liberal Government in
December results in Hon. Harold Holt's appointment as Immigration
Minister.
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|
1949
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Australia supports the establishment of the
United Nations' Relief and Works' Agency, created to help the 1.5
million Palestinians who became refugees during and after the
establishment of Israel.
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National
Population Council, op. cit., p. 63
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1950
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In February, the new Liberal Government
cancels some of the deportation orders imposed against Asian
war-time evacuees by the previous government and permits about 600
remaining wartime refugees to stay in Australia. They are permitted
to live and work as 'permanent residents' but not allowed to bring
in families or business assistants.
|
Palfreeman, op. cit., pp. 2223
Hon.
Harold Holt, House of Representatives, Debates, 24
February 1950, p. 96
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1950
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The United Nations (UN) establishes the office
of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the primary
duty of providing international protection for refugees.
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|
1951
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In 19501951, the Department of Immigration
costs the Commonwealth Government 20 137 281, a
three-fold increase since 19481949. Approximately
6 000 000 is capital works and services' expenditure on
migrant centres and hostels, with another 6 600 000 spent
on 'miscellaneous services', mainly maintenance of and equipment
for migrant centres and hostels.
|
Commonwealth of Australia: The Budget 19521953, Commonwealth
Government Printer, Canberra, 1952, pp. 10, 45, 59, 71
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1952
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The Inter-governmental Committee for European
Migration (ICEM) is established, in part in response to UN
unwillingness to involve its High Commissioner for Refugees in
costly resettlement operations. Australia joins ICEM in 1953 but,
in 1973, withdraws its support. (According to Price, this was
because the Whitlam Government regarded ICEM as too influenced by
United States' policy). During its twenty year association with
ICEM, Australia admits 628 000 people, of whom 199 000
are refugees. Australia rejoins ICEM in 1985.
|
ibid.,
p. 63
Price,
op. cit., p. 7
Year
Book Australia, 197778, ABS, Canberra, 1979, p. 125
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1954
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Australia's population, exclusive of so-called
'full-blood Aboriginals' who were not counted, is
8 986 530 at the time of the 1954 Census. A total of
1 286 466 is born overseas (14 per cent of the
population). People from England are the largest group
(478 411), followed by Scots (123 634), Italians
(119 897) and Germans (65 422). The emphasis in
immigration remains on the recruitment of industrial labour and on
the White Australia Policy; though the latter continues to be
liberalised. Cultural diversification, necessitated by lack of
success in obtaining the desired numbers of United Kingdom
migrants, continues during the 1950s as a result of the intake of
European 'Displaced Persons' of various ethnic backgrounds, and as
a result of assisted passage agreements with governments such as
Malta (1948), the Netherlands and Italy (1951), West Germany (1952)
and Finland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark (1954). The
largest humanitarian groupthe Poland-born, who are mainly admitted
as Displaced Personstotals 56 594. More than 170 000
refugees have been admitted since 1945, mainly under the
International Refugee Organisation's Displaced Persons' scheme.
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Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1957,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Canberra, 1957, p.
566
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1951
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Australia ratifies the 1951 UN Convention
Relating to the Status of Refugees, which defines a refugee as any
person who: 'owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for
reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular
social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his
nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to
avail himself of the protection of that country'.
A Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees,
adopted by the UN in 1967, seeks to update the scope of the
convention by removing a stipulation in the 1951 definition to the
effect that a refugee only qualifies 'as a result of events
occurring before 1 January 1951'. Australia does not endorse the
Protocol until 1973, under the Whitlam Government.
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National
Population Council, op. cit., p. 64
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1956
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In October, Hon. Athol Townley MP succeeds
Holt as Immigration Minister in the Menzies' Government.
|
|
1956
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The Menzies' Government liberalises the White
Australia Policy by granting permanent resident status to
non-Europeans who had arrived as refugees during the war or had
resided here for at least 15 years. The reformed policy also allows
non-European spouses of Australian citizens to be naturalised and
relaxes the conditions of entry for persons of 'mixed descent'. The
following year, non-Europeans other than spouses are permitted to
apply for citizenship after 15 years residence. Further
liberalisation takes place in 1959 and 1960, under Menzies, and in
1966 under Prime Minister Holt.
|
K.
Rivett (ed.), Australia and the Non-White
Migrant, Melbourne University Press, 1975, pp. 2530
|
1957
|
The formation of the European Economic
Community provides freedom of movement between member states and
guest-worker programs that have the effect of reducing European
migrant and refugee interest in Australia. Over the next ten years,
Australia's refugee intake averages less than 2500 per annum.
|
|
1958
|
In March, Hon. Alexander Downer MP succeeds
Townley as Immigration Minister in Menzies' Government.
|
|
1958
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The Immigration Act is overhauled. The new
Migration Act 1958 abolishes the dictation test and
replaces it with an entry permit system.
|
ibid.,
pp. 2627
|
1961
|
In 19601961, the Department of Immigration
costs the Commonwealth Government 12 161 849.
Approximately 2 250 000 (18.5 per cent) is spent on
settlement services (though this term is not used in 19601961).
Most of the settlement service expenditure goes to the maintenance
of migrants in centres and hostels, medical and hospital costs and
the 'education of non-British migrants in the English language'.
The latter cost 424 892.
|
Commonwealth of Australia: The Budget 19611962, Commonwealth
Government Printer, Canberra, 1962, pp. 8, 32, 59
|
1961
|
Australia's population is 10 508 186
at the time of the 1961 Census. About half the increase since 1947
(when the population was 7 579 358) is due to
immigration. A total of 1 778 780 is born overseas (17
per cent of the population). People from the United Kingdom (and
the Republic of Ireland) are the largest group (755 402),
followed by Italians (228 296) and Germans (109 315). The
largest humanitarian groupthe Poland-born, who mainly arrived as
Displaced Persons after the Wartotals 60 049. A total of
261 399 refugees have been admitted since 1945, of whom
200 550 travelled on assisted passages. The White Australia
Policy is further liberalised during the 1960s, and governments
persist with an economically-driven immigration policy based on
industrial labour requirements.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1968,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Canberra, 1968, p.
140
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1962,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Canberra, 1962, pp.
305306
|
1963
|
In December, Hon. Hubert Opperman MP succeeds
Downer as Immigration Minister in the Menzies' Government.
|
|
1966
|
Review of migration policy further liberalises
the White Australia Policy. The fifteen year residence requirement
for citizenship is reduced to five years.
|
J. Jupp,
Immigration, Oxford University Press, second edition,
Melbourne, 1998, pp. 118119
|
1966
|
In December, Hon. William Snedden MP replaces
Opperman as Immigration Minister in the Holt Liberal
Government.
|
|
1968
|
About 6000 Czech and Slovak refugees arrive in
Australia following the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in
August. More than 10 000 had arrived in the immediate post-war
years (19471952). The 1968 refugees brought the total in Australia
to more than 16 000.
|
M.
Cigler, The Czechs in Australia, AE Press,
Melbourne, 1983, pp. 111112
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1969
|
In November, Hon. Phillip Lynch MP succeeds
Snedden as Immigration Minister in the Gorton Liberal
Government.
|
|
1971
|
In 19701971, the Department of Immigration
costs the Commonwealth Government $70 325 094.
Approximately $10 200 000 (14.5 per cent) is spent on
settlement services (though this term is not used in 19701971).
Most of the settlement service expenditure goes to the maintenance
of migrants in centres and hostels, and 'Migrant Education
Services'. The latter cost $3 875 000.
|
Commonwealth of Australia, Appropriation Bill (No. 1)
19711972, House of Representatives, 17 August 1971, pp.
5053
|
1971
|
Australia's population is 12 755 638
at the time of the 1971 Census. A total of 2 579 318 is
born overseas (20 per cent of the population). People from the
United Kingdom (and Republic of Ireland) are the largest group
(1 088 210), followed by Italians (289 476) and
Greeks (160 200). The largest humanitarian groupthe
Poland-born, who mainly arrived as Displaced Persons after the
Wartotals 59 700. The number of refugees admitted under
assisted passages since the War exceeds 250 000. During the
early 1970s, the White Australia Policy is abolished and the
immigration intake is greatly reduced due to economic recession and
high levels of unemployment. Emphasis is placed on family reunion
and, from 1975, on the resettlement of refugees. In the latter half
of the 1970s, the net proportion of migrants from the United
Kingdom falls significantly and the Fraser Government begins a
process of institutionalising the multicultural reality of
Australian society.
|
Year
Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1973,
Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, Canberra, 1973, pp.
140 and 156
|
1971
|
In November, Hon. Dr. Alexander (Jim) Forbes
MP succeeds Lynch as Minister in the McMahon Liberal
Government.
|
|
1972
|
Idi Amin's regime expels 80 000 Asians
from Uganda. In October, the Australian Government grants entry to
198. In Parliament, Arthur Calwell, who had been Australia's first
Minister for Immigration (19451949) in the Chifley Government,
expresses concern about their admission but Dr. Forbes, the
Immigration Minister, states that the McMahon Government,
recognising the humanitarian problem, will admit only a small
number 'who are qualified in professions to practise in Australia
and who can be absorbed readily in those professions'.
|
For
Calwell's position, see: House of Representatives,
Debates, 17 October 1972, p. 2741
For
Forbes, see: House of Representatives, Debates, 22 August
1972, p. 468
|
1972
|
The election of the Whitlam Labor Government
in December sees the Hon. Al Grassby MP appointed as Minister for
Immigration.
|
|
1973
|
In January, the new Whitlam Government
announces that future immigration policy would not distinguish
between immigrants on the basis of race, colour or nationality. The
White Australia Policy is finally abolished. The implications of
this new policy for refugees are not tested until 1975, with
refugee crises in East Timor and Vietnam.
|
Jupp,
op. cit, p. 119
|
1973
|
In September, a military coup in Chile
overthrows the socialist government of Salvadore Allende, and
Australia takes in Chilean refugees. The Chilean program has
bipartisan support and marks a break from previous refugee programs
that tended to support refugees who were fleeing Communist
governments. Between 1974 and 1981, about 6000 Chileans are taken
in and, thereafter until the ending of military rule in 1990,
hundreds continue to be admitted each year as part of either the
Special Humanitarian Program (introduced in 1981) or family reunion
program. The Chilean population in Australia increases from 3760 at
the 1971 census to 24 042 in 1991.
|
'Chileans' in J. Jupp (ed.), The Australian people: an
encyclopedia of the nation, its people and their origins,
Cambridge University Press, 2001, pp. 195197
|
1974
|
Displaced persons from Cyprus are admitted
after the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. The Cypriot
population in Australia increases from 13 267 at the 1971
census to 21 629 in 1976.
|
'Greek
Cypriots', ibid., pp. 419420
|
1974
|
The Department of Immigration is disbanded and
a Department of Labour and Immigration established by the Whitlam
Government. Hon. Clyde Cameron MP succeeds Grassby as Minister in
June.
|
|
1975
|
Australia has received approximately
300 000 refugees and displaced persons since 1947, with the
great majority assisted by government with passage and settlement
services.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '76,
Canberra, 1976, p. 8
|
1975
|
The defeat of United States-backed regimes in
Vietnam is accompanied by massive displacement of Vietnamese people
from their homes. Refugees flee to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand,
Hong Kong and the Philippines.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs,
ChronologyAustralia and Indo-Chinese
refugees, 197580, Canberra, 1981, p. 1
|
1975
|
In April and May, the Royal Australian Air
Force evacuates 2000 Vietnamese refugees and the Whitlam Government
announces categories of Vietnamese citizens who are eligible for
temporary entry into Australia: spouses and children of Vietnamese
students already in Australia; spouses and under 21-year-old
children of Australian citizens subject to completion of Australian
citizenship formalities, and Vietnamese with a long and close
association with the Australian presence in Vietnam whose life is
considered to be in danger. The latter are selected on a case by
case basis. Australia informs the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR) of its willingness to accept refugees.
Resident status is granted to students in Australia under the
Colombo Plan and privately from both Vietnam and Cambodia who apply
for it. In June 1976, admission policy is extended to Lao students.
Visitors and other temporary entrants from South Vietnam, Cambodia
and Laos are granted resident status subject to health and
character checks. By the end of 1975, Australia has selected about
400 Vietnamese refugees from camps in Guam, Hong Kong, Singapore
and Malaysia.
|
ibid.
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '76,
Canberra, 1976, p. 15
|
1975
|
In June, Hon. James McClelland MP replaces
Cameron as Immigration and Labour Minister in the Whitlam
Government.
|
|
1975
|
Violent civil war in East Timor in August 1975
produces a wave of about 2500 evacuees to Darwin. About 700 agree
to go to Portugal but the remaining group, which includes families
without breadwinners, the elderly and unaccompanied children, are
accommodated in Commonwealth Government hostels in Sydney and
Melbourne. The December invasion of East Timor by Indonesian
military forces leads to widespread resistance and guerilla warfare
that lasts until independence is achieved in 2002. Throughout the
25-year struggle, a continuous flow of Timor-born people seek
refuge in Australia. At the 1996 census there are an estimated 9200
Timorese-born people in Australia.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '76,
Canberra, 1976, p. 9
'Timorese', in Jupp, op. cit., p. 706
|
1975
|
In November, following the appointment of a
Coalition 'caretaker' government by the Governor-General, the Hon.
Anthony Street MP becomes Minister for Labour and Immigration.
|
|
1975
|
In December, following the general election,
the Fraser Liberal Government establishes a new Department of
Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, with Hon. Michael Mackellar MP as
Minister.
|
|
1976
|
On 26 January, the Fraser Government offers an
amnesty to prohibited immigrants who have over-stayed their visas.
The period in which applications may be made for amnesty expires on
30 April. There are four categories of prohibited immigrant:
'people who are required to have entry permits and who enter
without them, people whose temporary entry permits expire or are
cancelled while they are still in Australia, people exempted from
the entry permit requirement who cease to be exempted while in
Australia, and people convicted of criminal offences overseas or
who have been deported from any country or who suffer from certain
disabilities, whose entry permits do not bear special
endorsements'. The amnesty applies to 'over-stayers'.
|
Review '76, op. cit., p. 17 and 19
|
1976
|
An Australian team is sent to Thailand in
March to process Indo-Chinese refugees there. A total of 568
refugees are accepted and admitted.
|
ibid.,
p. 8
|
1976
|
On 27 April, a small unauthorised boat
carrying five refugees from Vietnam reaches Darwin. It is the first
of 56 such boats to arrive over the next six years. The term 'boat
people' becomes current. A total of 1037 refugees are admitted from
Indo-China in the 19751976 year.
|
Chronology - Australia and Indo-Chinese
refugees, 197580, op. cit., p. 3
|
1976
|
In May, Minister Mackellar invites the
Timorese who were admitted at the end of 1975 to apply for resident
status. More than a thousand take up the offer.
|
Review 76, op. cit., p. 15
|
1976
|
Civil war in Lebanon results in the deaths of
50 000 people and displacement of about 600 000 Lebanese
and 150 000 Palestinians from Lebanon. The Australian Embassy
in Beirut is evacuated in March. Visas are granted to any relatives
of Australian residents who have suffered extreme hardship as a
result of the war, provided they meet health and character
requirements. In the first half of 1976, more than 800 Lebanese are
admitted. The flow continues with the worsening war and by 1981 the
Lebanon-born community has increased by more than 16 000.
|
ibid.,
p. 9
A. and
T. Batrouney, The Lebanese in Australia, AE
Press, Melbourne, 1985, pp. 8386
|
1976
|
The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign
Affairs and Defence issues its report, Australia and the
Refugee Problem, based on its examination in 1975 of the
plight and circumstances of Vietnamese refugees and the Australian
response to them. The report points to the 'complete lack of policy
for the acceptance of people into Australia as refugees rather than
as normal migrants' and recommends as a matter of urgency 'an
approved and comprehensive set of policy guidelines and the
establishment of appropriate machinery' to be applied to refugee
situations.
|
Senate
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence,
Australia and the Refugee Problem: the plight and
circumstances of Vietnamese and other refugees, AGPS,
Canberra, 1976, p. 77, p. 89
|
1976
|
A new detention centre providing 'specially
designed security accommodation for up to 48 people awaiting
deportation' is opened at Villawood, Sydney, on 15 November. It is
called the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. Existing
detention facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane were built prior to
1945. Prior to 1976, prohibited immigrants in Sydney were detained
at North Head quarantine station and Long Bay Gaol.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '77,
Canberra, 1977, p. 22
|
1976
|
Australia admits a total of 4431 refugees in
19751976, of whom 1037 are Indo-Chinese. Total immigration intake
for the year is 52 748the lowest since World War Two.
|
Review '76, op. cit., pp. 5, 8
|
1977
|
With a commitment to admitting greater numbers
of refugees, Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, the Hon.
Michael Mackellar, visits Thailand in February to assess the
Indo-Chinese refugee problem, and visits Cyprus to confer with
government officials and the Australian task force assisting
Lebanese refugees.
|
Review '77, op. cit., p. 7
|
1977
|
In February, the first Migrant Resource Centre
is established in Melbourne. It is operated by the Australian Greek
Welfare Society, with Government funding.
|
ibid.,
p. 1
|
1977
|
In March, Minister Mackellar announces an
agreement with Indonesia on arrangements to reunite East Timorese
in Australia with close relatives from Timor. Australia also allows
for the return to Australia of Timorese who went voluntarily to
Portugal from Darwin in 19751976. Normal migration requirements
apply, with emphasis on family reunion.
|
ibid.,
p. 8
|
1977
|
In a landmark statement on 24 May, Minister
Mackellar announces in Parliament a strategy and a series of
initiatives for the development and implementation of a
comprehensive refugee policy. It is the first occasion on which a
coherent and specific refugee policy has been enunciated in the
Parliament. Prior to this time, refugees were admitted as migrants.
The statement draws on key recommendations of the 1976
Australia and the Refugee Problem report and includes a
commitment to the formulation of procedures for designating refugee
situations and appropriate responses to them; the establishment of
an inter-departmental committee to advise the Minister, in
consultation with voluntary agencies, on Australia's capacity to
accept refugees; an examination of ways in which voluntary agencies
may be encouraged to participate in refugee resettlement; and the
strengthening of the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs'
Refugee Unit. A significant aspect of the new policy relates to the
humanitarian acceptance of people 'in refugee-type situations who
do not fall strictly within the UNHCR mandate or within Convention
definitions'. Australian staff are temporarily stationed in
Thailand to organise a 'regular intake' of Indo-Chinese
refugees.
|
Hon.
Michael Mackellar MP, Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs,
'Statement', House of Representatives, Debates, 24 May
1977, pp. 171316.
Review '77, op. cit., pp. 1415
|
1978
|
The UNHCR estimates the global refugee
population at 3.1 million. This figure does not include other
humanitarian categories of concern to the UNHCR or Palestinians
assisted by the UN Relief and Works Agency.
|
UNHCR,
The State of the world's refugees, 1997-1998, Oxford
University Press, 1997, p. 54
|
1978
|
In March, the Determination of Refugee Status
Committee (DORS) is established on an inter-departmental basis, to
handle applications from people in, or arriving in, Australia
seeking refugee status as defined by the UN Convention. DORS
consists of representatives of the Departments of Immigration and
Ethnic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister and Cabinet and the
Attorney-General. All 'boat people' have to apply to DORS.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '78,
Canberra, 1978, p. 28
|
1978
|
In addition to DORS, the Fraser Government
establishes a Standing Inter-departmental Committee on Refugees to
advise the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs on a range
of refugee issues and to regularly review the refugee intake. The
Committee comprises senior officers of Department of Immigration
and Ethnic Affairs, the Departments of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet, Employment and Industrial Relations, Social Security, and
Health and Education. The Committee maintains contact with
voluntary agencies. A separate Refugee and Special Programs Branch
is created within the Department of Immigration and Ethnic
Affairs.
|
ibid.
|
1978
|
On 17 May, Minister Mackellar announces
initiatives relating to the plight of Indo-Chinese refugees. These
include moves to internationalise the approach to the situation by
concerted action with the United States and other receiving nations
to persuade more nations to accept refugees for resettlement; a
decision to accept 9000 Indo-Chinese refugees in 19781979;
approaches to regional governments seeking their cooperation in
holding Vietnamese vessels in transit to enable processing of 'boat
people' in those countries; and an approach to the UNHCR seeking
greater involvement among receiving countries and regional
governments.
|
ibid.
|
1978
|
In June, Dr. Moss Cass MP, the Opposition
Spokesman on Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, writes in The
Australian newspaper's regular column, 'The A.L.P. View', that
'Between April 1976 and January this year, 1037 Boat People arrived
in Australia: none were sent back. The implications of a government
policy which accepts queue-jumping on this scale are obvious'. The
concept of 'queue-jumping' is evoked from time to time by
spokespersons for both the major parties. In March 1982, it is used
in the House of Representatives by Ian Macphee, the Minister for
Immigration and Ethnic Affairs in the Fraser Government. (See
'1982' entry.)
|
Moss
Cass, 'Stop this unjust queue jumping', The Australian, 29
June 1978
|
1978
|
The Galbally Reportthe Review of
Post-Arrival Programs and Services to Migrantsis tabled in
Parliament in May. The Fraser Government announces expenditure of
$49.7 million on migrant services (English language teaching,
initial settlement services, ethnic media, establishment of an
Institute of Multicultural Affairs, and others) over three years to
implement Galbally's recommendations. Acting on the report, the
Government establishes Migrant Resource Centres, reshapes the Adult
Migrant Education Program, provides grants for migrant welfare
workers, establishes the Institute for Multicultural Affairs and
expands the Telephone Interpreter Service.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '78,
Canberra, 1978, p. 7
|
1978
|
As part of a review of immigration, Minister
Mackellar announces new policies in June, essentially extending
family reunion, reaffirming a commitment to humanitarian and
compassionate responsibilities and introducing a numerical 'points'
system to ensure that future immigrants have the skills and
qualities best suited to Australia's national needs. The new
program is based on three-year rolling programs, with an assumed
net intake of 70 000 per annum. Refugees are to be admitted
under criteria separately established for each refugee program
within the guidelines announced in May 1977.
|
ibid.,
pp. 1, 13, 18.
|
1978
|
In June, the Department's annual report states
that 'Efforts to exercise greater control over the prohibited
immigrant problem by increased search activity are inhibited by the
lack of adequate detention facilities'. Only Sydney has a modern
detention facility, the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. The
great majority of prohibited immigrants are people who overstay
their visas.
|
ibid.,
p. 35
|
197778
|
Australia admits 75 732 migrants, of whom
7117 are Indo-Chinese refugees (5458 Vietnamese, 1331 Laotians and
328 Cambodians), mainly from camps in Thailand and Malaysia.
However, 19771978 also sees the arrival of the largest ever numbers
of unauthorised 'boat people': 1430, who travel in 37 small boats.
They are mainly from Vietnam.
|
ibid.,
p. 2.
|
197778
|
Under the special programs for people who are
not refugees but who gain entry on a humanitarian basis, Australia
receives Soviet Jews and White Russians from China, in addition to
Timorese from Portugal and Lebanese. Refugees arrive in Australia
in 19771978 from more than 40 countries. A total of 9597 refugees
are admitted.
|
ibid.,
p. 28
|
1978
|
The UNHCR estimates the global refugee
population at 3.1 million. This figure does not include other
humanitarian categories of concern to the UNHCR or Palestinians
assisted by the UN Relief and Works Agency.
|
UNHCR,
The State of the world's refugees, 1997-1998, Oxford
University Press, 1997, p. 54
|
1978
|
In March, the Determination of Refugee Status
Committee (DORS) is established on an inter-departmental basis, to
handle applications from people in, or arriving in, Australia
seeking refugee status as defined by the UN Convention. DORS
consists of representatives of the Departments of Immigration and
Ethnic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister and Cabinet and the
Attorney-General. All 'boat people' have to apply to DORS.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '78,
Canberra, 1978, p. 28
|
1978
|
In addition to DORS, the Fraser Government
establishes a Standing Inter-departmental Committee on Refugees to
advise the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs on a range
of refugee issues and to regularly review the refugee intake. The
Committee comprises senior officers of Department of Immigration
and Ethnic Affairs, the Departments of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet, Employment and Industrial Relations, Social Security, and
Health and Education. The Committee maintains contact with
voluntary agencies. A separate Refugee and Special Programs Branch
is created within the Department of Immigration and Ethnic
Affairs.
|
ibid.
|
1978
|
On 17 May, Minister Mackellar announces
initiatives relating to the plight of Indo-Chinese refugees. These
include moves to internationalise the approach to the situation by
concerted action with the United States and other receiving nations
to persuade more nations to accept refugees for resettlement; a
decision to accept 9000 Indo-Chinese refugees in 19781979;
approaches to regional governments seeking their cooperation in
holding Vietnamese vessels in transit to enable processing of 'boat
people' in those countries; and an approach to the UNHCR seeking
greater involvement among receiving countries and regional
governments.
|
ibid.
|
1978
|
In June, Dr. Moss Cass MP, the Opposition
Spokesman on Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, writes in The
Australian newspaper's regular column, 'The A.L.P. View', that
'Between April 1976 and January this year, 1037 Boat People arrived
in Australia: none were sent back. The implications of a government
policy which accepts queue-jumping on this scale are obvious'. The
concept of 'queue-jumping' is evoked from time to time by
spokespersons for both the major parties. In March 1982, it is used
in the House of Representatives by Ian Macphee, the Minister for
Immigration and Ethnic Affairs in the Fraser Government. (See
'1982' entry.)
|
Moss
Cass, 'Stop this unjust queue jumping', The Australian, 29
June 1978
|
1978
|
The Galbally Reportthe Review of
Post-Arrival Programs and Services to Migrantsis tabled in
Parliament in May. The Fraser Government announces expenditure of
$49.7 million on migrant services (English language teaching,
initial settlement services, ethnic media, establishment of an
Institute of Multicultural Affairs, and others) over three years to
implement Galbally's recommendations. Acting on the report, the
Government establishes Migrant Resource Centres, reshapes the Adult
Migrant Education Program, provides grants for migrant welfare
workers, establishes the Institute for Multicultural Affairs and
expands the Telephone Interpreter Service.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '78,
Canberra, 1978, p. 7
|
1978
|
As part of a review of immigration, Minister
Mackellar announces new policies in June, essentially extending
family reunion, reaffirming a commitment to humanitarian and
compassionate responsibilities and introducing a numerical 'points'
system to ensure that future immigrants have the skills and
qualities best suited to Australia's national needs. The new
program is based on three-year rolling programs, with an assumed
net intake of 70 000 per annum. Refugees are to be admitted
under criteria separately established for each refugee program
within the guidelines announced in May 1977.
|
ibid.,
pp. 1, 13, 18.
|
1978
|
In June, the Department's annual report states
that 'Efforts to exercise greater control over the prohibited
immigrant problem by increased search activity are inhibited by the
lack of adequate detention facilities'. Only Sydney has a modern
detention facility, the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. The
great majority of prohibited immigrants are people who overstay
their visas.
|
ibid.,
p. 35
|
197778
|
Australia admits 75 732 migrants, of whom
7117 are Indo-Chinese refugees (5458 Vietnamese, 1331 Laotians and
328 Cambodians), mainly from camps in Thailand and Malaysia.
However, 19771978 also sees the arrival of the largest ever numbers
of unauthorised 'boat people': 1430, who travel in 37 small boats.
They are mainly from Vietnam.
|
ibid.,
p. 2.
|
197778
|
Under the special programs for people who are
not refugees but who gain entry on a humanitarian basis, Australia
receives Soviet Jews and White Russians from China, in addition to
Timorese from Portugal and Lebanese. Refugees arrive in Australia
in 19771978 from more than 40 countries. A total of 9597 refugees
are admitted.
|
ibid.,
p. 28
|
1978
|
In keeping with the commitment to seek an
international solution to the Indo-Chinese refugee crisis, Minister
Mackellar undertakes two significant overseas missions in the
second half of the year. In July, he meets with representatives of
South East Asian governments to explore ways of maintaining an
orderly processing of Indo-Chinese refugees and of securing greater
international cooperation in resettling them and, in December, he
attends UNHCR consultations in Geneva to discuss Indo-Chinese
refugees. The participating countries offer to double the number of
resettlement places and pledge increased financial assistance to
the UNHCR.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '79,
Canberra, 1979, p. 13
|
1978
|
In keeping with the commitment to seek an
international solution to the Indo-Chinese refugee crisis, Minister
Mackellar undertakes two significant overseas missions in the
second half of the year. In July, he meets with representatives of
South East Asian governments to explore ways of maintaining an
orderly processing of Indo-Chinese refugees and of securing greater
international cooperation in resettling them and, in December, he
attends UNHCR consultations in Geneva to discuss Indo-Chinese
refugees. The participating countries offer to double the number of
resettlement places and pledge increased financial assistance to
the UNHCR.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '79,
Canberra, 1979, p. 13
|
1979
|
In January, Minister Mackellar announces
policy in regard to the 'export' of ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese
by officials in Vietnam who take bribes and transport them on
vessels flying flags of convenience. Australia will not deal with
the owners or masters of such vessels and any passengers will be
denied entry. In June, exodus from Vietnam reaches a peak with the
continuing expulsion of ethnic Chinese.
|
ibid.,
p. 6
|
1979
|
In keeping with the strategy of an
international solution, Minister Mackellar visits Manila, Thailand,
Malaysia and Indonesia in May. In light of the Indonesian
Government's decision to establish an island processing centre, the
Australian Government offers the UNHCR $250 000 toward the
centre's establishment.
|
ibid.,
p. 13
|
1979
|
In March the Committee for the Allocation of
Loan Funds to Refugees from Indo-China (CALFRIC) is incorporated in
New South Wales to administer refugee resettlement loans. CALFRIC
plays an important role in helping refugees move from Migrant
Centres into their own homes and, by 1982, has assisted 18 000
with small interest-free loans funded by DIEA.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '82,
Canberra, 1982, p 36
|
1979
|
Commonwealth funding for the Adult Migrant and
Refugee Education Program reaches $18 million, three times the sum
of four years earlier. The program began in 1951 but was limited to
part-time, mainly evening, courses and correspondence courses until
1969, when it was expanded. Between 1969 and 1972, full-time
courses were introduced, along with the Home Tutor Scheme, migrant
education television and courses-in-industry.
|
Review '79, op. cit., p. 27
|
1979
|
Fewer unauthorised boats arrive in 19781979:
six boats carrying 351 people. Since 1975, Australia has admitted
22 819 Indo-Chinese refugees18 962 Vietnamese, 2985
Laotians and 872 Cambodians. Since the first unauthorised boat
arrival in April 1976, 50 other boats have reached northern
Australia, carrying 2011 people.
|
ibid.,
p. 13
|
1979
|
At mid-July, there are 373 000 refugees
in camps in South East Asia.
|
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '80,
Canberra, p. 46
|
1979
|
On 2021 July, an international conference on
refugees, attended by 66 countries, is held in Geneva, under UN
auspices. Australia announces it will increase its resettlement
program to 14 000 in 19791980. Other countries offer to
increase their intake, bringing an increase of pledged resettlement
places from 125 000 to 260 000 world wide. Also, from
this conference, the Government of Vietnam pledges to stop the
outflow of 'boat people'. The conference results in a decrease in
the number of boats leaving Vietnam.
|
ibid.
|
1979
|
While the Indo-Chinese remain the main refugee
group, Australia continues its special refugee programs for East
Europeans who have gained asylum in Western Europe, taking in about
300 a year, with assistance from the Australian Council of Churches
and the Federal Catholic Immigration Committee; Soviet Jews, under
a program of the Australian Jewish Welfare Society (in 19781979,
about 400 families totalling about 1200 people); Chileans who have
fled to Argentina, and Iraqi Assyrians who sought refuge in Greece;
and East Timorese under a family reunion arrangement with
Indonesia.
|
Review '79, op. cit., pp. 1315
|
1979
|
The Australian Refugee Advisory Council is
established in October to advise the Minister for Immigration and
Ethnic Affairs on aspects of the movement to and settlement in
Australia of refugees from all sources.
|
Review '80, op. cit., p. 5
|
1979
|
In December, the first application is approved
under the Community Refugee Settlement Scheme (CRSS). Under this
sponsorship scheme CRSS refugees are moved directly into the
community where they are cared for by groups which have undertaken
to provide initial accommodation, help with finding employment and
general social support. The first group, consisting of 20
Indo-Chinese families, is settled at Whyalla, South Australia, in
February 1980. The scheme is extended to Tasmania, Queensland and
New South Wales. The CRSS is an alternative to government-run
Migrant Centres; an objective is to limit residential
concentrations of particular groups. By 1982, there are 400 sponsor
groups throughout Australia, mainly churches and service clubs.
That year, the Fraser Government introduces a system of grants to
support CRSS sponsors. Nearly 5000 refugees had been sponsored by
the CRSS up to June 1982.
|
ibid.,
p. 21
Review '82, op. cit., p. 34
|
1979
|
In December, Hon. Ian Macphee MP succeeds
Mackellar as Minister in the Fraser Government.
|
|
1980
|
In February, the total number of Indo-Chinese
refugees settled in third countries since April 1975 reaches
777 913, of which 251 000 are in the Peoples' Republic of
China. Australia has taken in 32 402.
|
Chronology - Australia and Indo-Chinese
refugees, 197580, op. cit., p. 11
|
1980
|
A total
of 19 954 refugees are admitted during 19791980nearly a
quarter of total settler arrivals.
|
Review '80, op. cit., p. 40
|
1980
|
Despite the success of the Geneva Conference
in helping to decrease the number of 'boat people' and the caseload
of refugees in countries of first asylum awaiting resettlement,
there are still 118 076 Laotians, 8443 Kampucheans and 7512
Vietnamese 'boat people' in Thailand. An additional 2520 Vietnamese
entered Thailand overland.
|
ibid., p. 47
|
1980
|
In 19791980, 2500 Eastern Europeans are
admitted from countries of first asylum in Western Europe, mainly
Austria. Other refugee groups in 19791980 are: Assyrians in Greece
(250 cases admitted); Chileans (in late 1978, UNHCR invited
Australia to be part of an international operation to resettle
Chileans in Argentina who were under threat of deportation. In
March 1979, Minister Mackellar agreed to accept up to fifty family
units); Cubans (small group is admitted in June 1980, following
Castro's decision to allow mass exodus early in 1980) and White
Russians from China (about 12000 admitted as refugees since 1947
but numbers declined in 1970s). The passage and resettlement of the
White Russians is handled by the Australian Council of Churches.
Only about 200 are admitted in 19791980.
|
ibid., p. 48
|
1980
|
Introduction of 'special humanitarian
programs' for cases where people are in need ('individual members
of minority groups around the world suffering human rights
violations or serious discrimination') but are not refugees by the
UNHCR definition. These were in 19791980: Soviet Jews in Europe,
mainly sponsored by the Australian Jewish Welfare Society (1500
admitted in 19791980); China family reunion, as a result of
liberalisation of Chinese government policy on exit permits (740
admitted in 19791980); East Timor family reunion (298 admitted from
December 1978 to June 1980); and Vietnam family reunion (320
sponsored relatives allowed to leave Vietnam for Australia by June
1980).
|
ibid.,
p. 50
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Review '81,
Canberra, 1981, p. 49
|
1980
|
In June, Minister Macphee announces an
amnesty: people in Australia without permanent resident status may
apply for permanency under the Regularisation of Status Program, if
they arrived before 1 January. They are given until 31 December to
apply.
|
ibid.,
p. 56
|
1980
|
In November, the Australian Refugee Advisory
Council meets in Canberra to discuss the issue of recognition of
professional or trade qualifications held by some refugees.
|
ibid.,
p. 3
|
1980
|
A major earthquake in Italy in November leads
to special provisions to allow family members of Australian
residents to migrate to Australia. Sponsors are not required to
have resided in Australia for the usual period of time. The special
arrangements apply until 27 Februarythree months after the
earthquake.
|
ibid.,
pp. 45
|
1980
|
In June, the 600th unaccompanied refugee child
is admitted into Australia as part of the intake from South East
Asia. Their status on admission is as wards of the Minister for
Immigration and Ethnic Affairs but they are cared for by State and
Territory child welfare authorities. They are paid an allowance the
same as other wards of the state. Through the UNHCR, the Australian
government seeks to trace the whereabouts of any relatives of the
children, only granting them permanent residence in cases where no
relatives can be located.
|
Review '80, op. cit., p. 21
|
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