Immigration Restriction Act
Quick Summary
The Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 was a foundational piece of legislation for the new Commonwealth of Australia. Its primary aim was to prevent non-European immigration, thereby fostering a racially exclusive white society. This policy, often referred to as the White Australia policy, was driven by fears of invasion from Japan, concerns about cheap labor, and prevailing racism. The act itself did not name specific races for exclusion but instead implemented a dictation test in a European language, effectively barring most non-white individuals from entering the country. This policy remained a cornerstone of Australian government strategy until the mid-20th century, with gradual reforms beginning in the 1950s and leading to its eventual dismantling by the 1970s.12
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