White Australia Policy

The white Australia Policy
The White Australia policy was tremendously racist, in the way that it discriminated against any individual that were non-European. The policy thrived until the end of World War Two when the laws and immigration rights were loosened. There were various reasons behind why the policy was created, and two specific people, Edmund Barton and Sir Henry Parkes assisted with the formation. This particular policy had a negative impact on people seeking work in Australia, many of which weren’t able to enter Australia as a result of the dictation test. The White Australia policy also had an impact on the immigration and multiculturalism within Australia.
Many reasons and people effected the evolution and creation of the White
In the test you had to write down 50 words in the given language. The dictation test could be in any European language, so people from china or the pacific islands probably would not know the language. A person from Japan could be tested in French, a language that they have never heard let alone learnt before. In 1905 the test was changed which mean that it could be given in any language in the whole world. Obviously most people failed the test due to not knowing any more than one language and weren’t allowed into the country. However, there was one other way to enter the country and it was to be under a very strict exclusion of the rules or to have close connection with sponsors in Australia. This test impacted 3 main groups of people which were; Japanese pearl divers, Pacific Cane Cutters and Chinese Diggers . Many of these people came to Australia to work or find a fortune but that wasn’t the case anymore after the White Australia Policy Started. White people didn’t want these people in the country as they believed that they were taking their jobs and money. If the applicant failed the test they would be refused entry to the country and be told to leave immediately or they were put in jail for 6 months then were told to leave. In 1902 to 1903 the test was sat 805 times with only 46 people successful. Between 1904 and 1909 the test was administered 554 times and only 6 people
In the time of the White Australia policy it was hard for people that weren’t white to be respected as White Australians believed that if you were white you were superior. Today Australia is encouraging a multicultural country. Many anti-discrimination campaigns promote cultural diversity. Although Australia had a racist history, people aren’t trying to change the past instead change the future to lead Australia to be a diverse country. Many Australians are ashamed of the history. Today white Australians are encouraging people to immigrate and live a better way of life. White Australians are intrigued by culture and beliefs of many other races. People have learnt the benefits of having a nation that is diverse to create harmony among everyone. Through the abolition of the policy, Australia has evolved into a multicultural country. Australia is a successful country and the multiculturalism now is a major improvement from the past. The White Australia Policy left behind a legacy today that many Australians are ashamed about but want to help make everyone in Australia feel equal no matter what colour skin you have. In the past they discriminated against people’s religions, beliefs, appearances and even their lifestyles. The policy effected immigration allot over the years after it was abolished. People were scared or nervous to come to