[underlined] ATTACHMENT B [end underlined]

The policy in relation to the entry of persons of mixed descent was last considered by Cabinet on 15th September, 1964. The Cabinet Decision reads: -

"The Cabinet agreed that the policy for the admission of persons of mixed-race be amended by authorizing the Minister, at his discretion and consistent with the need to maintain the predominantly European character of the Australian population, to admit for permanent residence persons of mixed-race where: -

1. humanitarian considerations, involving close family relationship or hardship on grounds of discrimination, are present; or
2. the applicant has special knowledge, experience or qualifications useful to Australia; or
3. the applicant has the ability to make a contribution to Australia's economic, social and cultural progress;

If the applicant shows by appearance, education, upbringing, outlook, mode of dress and way of living, that he is capable of ready integration into the Australian community.

The Cabinet made the observation that these changes should be made administratively, i.e. without public announcement."

2. In the initial stages it was the practice in regard to admission based on "close family relationship" to look not only at the presence in Australia of close relatives of the applicants, but also at the whereabouts of other family members; and if the majority of the family were overseas to reject the application unless the applicant met one of the other requirements.

…/2.

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3. On 9th February, 1967 the Minister decided to give to the phrase "close family relationship" a more liberal interpretation i.e. to approve entry (subject to the usual requirements as to ability to integrate, health and security) whenever a person seeking entry has in Australia a parent, brother, sister, or son – even though he or she has more close relatives abroad than here, and whether or not he or she is married, with children.