Multicultural migration
NOT IN THE TEST This part is worth reading, but the citizenship test never asks about it.
In the 1950s and 1960s, a growing movement including many Asian, church and other groups, sought to end the ‘White Australia’ policy.
In 1958, the government removed the dictation test and in 1966, Australia began selective non-European and skilled Asian migration. Eventually, Australians everywhere recognised the value of including all nations in Australia’s migration program.
In 1973, the ‘White Australia’ policy ended, and Australia was on the path to multiculturalism. From this time, the government removed all racial criteria for immigration. In 1975, after the Vietnam War, Australia accepted record numbers of Asian refugees and migrants, mostly from Vietnam, China and India.
Since 1945, millions of people have come to live in Australia, including many refugees from war-torn countries. Today, Australia’s migrants come from all over the world.
Australia has an active policy of inclusion, where every person of every race, ethnicity or culture can feel part of our society. This policy runs through all aspects of Australian society, including government policies. It is reflected in our educational curriculum from early childhood through to university, and is practised in every workplace.
The right of every individual to be treated equally and without discrimination is defended by the Australian Human Rights Commission and government anti-discrimination agencies in every state and territory. Racial discrimination is publicly condemned and is a crime under the law.
Australia has become a multicultural society of harmony and acceptance. It is a country where migrants, Indigenous Australians and everyone born in Australia can feel free to pursue their goals in peace.
Dr Victor Chang (1936–91)
Dr Victor Chang was one of Australia’s best heart surgeons. Victor Peter Chang Yam Him was born in China in 1936 and came to Australia when he was 15 years old.
He worked at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and in 1984 he set up the first centre in Australia specialising in heart transplants. In 1986, Victor was made a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Victor became concerned about a shortage of donors so he started designing an artificial heart, which was almost finished when he was tragically killed in 1991.
A new research centre has been set up in his memory. He is remembered for his expertise, optimism and innovation.
From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet