The White Australia Policy

The White Australia Policy was a set of government laws and practices in Australia from the early 20th century aimed at restricting non-European immigration, primarily to maintain a predominantly white, Anglo-Saxon population. It sought to limit entry for people from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and other non-white regions, reflecting racial prejudices of the time. The policy influenced immigration laws until it began to be dismantled in the mid-20th century, culminating in the 1970s with policies promoting multiculturalism and non-discriminatory immigration. It had significant social and cultural impacts on Australia's diversity and reputation.