Assimilation and Integration in Post-War Australia

When the British colonies federated in 1901, the new nation's policy sought assimilation of all Australians into an English-speaking, Anglo-Celtic culture. This idea effectively excluded non-European immigration, and was sometimes called the 'White Australia' policy.

Since World War II about 5.5 million immigrants have come to Australia. Many came from non-English speaking parts of Europe and joined ethnic communities that preserved the languages and cultures of their countries of origin. The attitudes of Australians changed. During the 1960s, a Liberal-Country Party coalition government ended the White Australia policy.

The new policy stance called for 'integration', not 'assimilation'. It was supported by government and non-government programs that recognised the importance of ethnic organisations in creating opportunities for individuals from different backgrounds.

During the 1970s both Labour and coalition governments advanced a 'multicult

The Australian government was forced to review its assimilation policy and integration became the official policy. This meant that migrants were allowed to maintain many features of their traditional lives. Changes were taking place in all aspects of Australian life. New foods were available, entertainment was changing, national days were celebrated and ethnic languages were now freely spoken in the streets of major Australian cities. Although opposition from some sections of the Australian community still existed, it was now widely accepted that the ‘new Australians’ were helping to slowly change Australia. New foods, drinks, customs and languages made the country a more interesting place in which to live. Asian foods and Italian dishes such as lasagne and pizza grew in popularity. Wine became more popular and beer a little less popular, along with men’s custom of stopping off at the pub after work. Australian suburbs also changed as the styles of different cultures were reflected in homes and architecture. During the 1960s, the post-war immigrants and their children became more accepted as attitudes and values began to change for the better.

ural' policy that emphasises the value of diverse cultural identities, the shared values of social justice and the economic b

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