Multiculturalism in Australia

Australia’s identity has changed significantly since World War II.

Australia’s identity has changed significantly since World War II. The Australian Government’s White Australia policy was formally abandoned in the 1970s and replaced with policies focused on multiculturalism.

From this time on, Australia increasingly recognised the importance of building relationships with its Asian neighbours.

Curriculum areas

Year 6 History

Questions

How has Australia’s identity changed since World War II?
How is this reflected in, and shaped by, Australian Government policies?
Why did these changes occur?

Records

Record

Promoting migration reform - pamphlet 'Control or Colour Bar?'

A 32-page document written by the University of Melbourne's Immigration Reform Group in 1960 promoted migration reform. It was revised and reprinted in 1962.

Record

Cabinet minute recommending that non-European migration be allowed.

Recommendation to allow non-European migration - Cabinet minute

A confidential cabinet minute, documenting an endorsement to admit non-European migrants with residence status.

Record

Radio announcements publicising the national anthem public opinion poll.

New national anthem opinion poll – radio announcement

This audio clip is a radio announcement publicising the national anthem public opinion poll.

Record

Gough Whitlam visiting Echo Wall during diplomatic trip to China.

Gough Whitlam visiting the Echo Wall on diplomatic trip to China

This is a black-and-white photograph of the Australian Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam during a trip to China between 31 October and 4 November 1973.

Record

Complaint about racial discrimination – letter from Fred Hollows to Attorney-General

A letter from ophthalmologist Fred Hollows about witnessing racial discrimination, and a reply from Lionel Murphy, then Attorney-General of Australia.

Record

This is a photograph of migrants receiving support at the International Club of Victoria.

Support for new migrants – Footscray Settlement and Language Centre

A photo of migrants being assisted at the Footscray Settlement and Language Centre. It provided a range of services to newly arrived migrants.

Record

This is a photograph of a Chinese dragon at the Australia Day Festival, Canberra.

Chinese dragon at Australia Day Festival, Canberra

Australia's identity has changed significantly since World War II. The Australian Government's White Australia policy was formally abandoned in the 1970s and replaced with policies focused on multiculturalism.