Multiculturalism-Australia

For the first 50 years of federation Australia was a monocultural society, its population consisting of 95% British and Irish ancestry. Britain was seen as our mother country and the majority of people were willing to keep it that way. It is due to this that most Australian citizens opposed non-white immigration, to preserve British culture and traditions as the dominant influence in Australia. Thus the ‘White Australia Policy’ was developed, primarily allowing only white British and Irish settlers to migrate to Australia. Although the preference was for British and Irish migrants, a small percentage of other white Europeans were also accepted on the understanding that they shed their cultures and languages. This process was called ‘Assimilation’. Assimilation was implemented so that all citizens would conform to the Australian wa

The Australian Institute Of Multi Cultural Affairs no longer exists. Its role in society is now carried out by the Department of Immigration and Multi-cultural affairs.

The "White Australia" policy soon became an increasing embarrassment as relations between the world and Asia developed. With the Governments emphasis on the expansion of our manufacturing sector, Australia didn’t want to tarnish any possible trade relations. Hence modifications were made to the ‘White Australia Policy’. Originally, these modifications were not intended to allow a large, unrestricted flow of predominant non-white Europeans into the country. In March 1966 this changed though, with a policy being passed allowing non-Europeans to migrate to Australia as a matter of policy, rather then in special circumstances. This was the beginning of the end for the "White Australia policy", which was ultimately abolished in 1972 and replaced with the policy of multiculturalism.

Also, the concept of multiculturalism itself is poorly understood. As a domestic public policy - concerned exclusively with relations between existing Australians - it is often confused with the totally separate policy of immigration. Consequently, those Australians who wish to see a reduction in the rate of immigration tend to be hostile towards multiculturalism. Peoples hostility can lead to a public outcry against what is believed to be multiculturalism. This misunderstanding can deplete social cohesion, making the minority groups in Australia feel cast aside and unwelcome.

Some topics in this essay:
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