A set of historical policies implemented by the Australian government aimed at restricting non-European immigration. These policies, evolving over time, prioritized individuals of European descent for entry into the country, effectively excluding or limiting the immigration of people from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Legislation such as the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 formed a cornerstone of this approach, employing language tests and other discriminatory measures to achieve its exclusionary goals.
These policies reflected a confluence of factors, including racial prejudice, economic anxieties, and a desire to maintain a homogenous national identity rooted in British heritage. Proponents argued it would protect white Australian workers from cheaper labor and safeguard social cohesion. The impact was profound, shaping Australia’s demographic makeup for decades and fostering a climate of discrimination that affected various aspects of life for non-European residents and those seeking to immigrate.