Multiculturalism in Australia: Historical Context and Contemporary Concept
Multiculturalism refers to both a demographic reality (a society composed of many cultural groups) and a policy framework (government recognition and support for cultural diversity). In Australia, multiculturalism has evolved from a policy of cultural management to a positive framework for celebrating diversity.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Australian multiculturalism was not simply a natural evolution — it was the result of deliberate policy change, driven by political decisions to dismantle the White Australia Policy and actively manage the social consequences of increased ethnic diversity.
Historical Context
The White Australia Policy (1901–1973)
- The Immigration Restriction Act 1901 — one of the first laws passed by the new Australian Parliament — effectively restricted migration from non-European (especially Asian) countries
- The Dictation Test: immigration officers could administer a dictation test in any European language; designed to fail non-European applicants
- The policy reflected the ethnocentric, racially hierarchical worldview of the founding generation of Australian politicians
- Effect: Australia’s population remained predominantly Anglo-Celtic until the post-WWII period
Post-WWII Immigration and Assimilation (1945–1960s)
- Massive post-WWII immigration programme initiated under Arthur Calwell as Immigration Minister; aimed to “populate or perish”
- Initially restricted to British migrants; gradually extended to Southern Europeans (Italians, Greeks, Yugoslavs) and Northern Europeans
- Official policy was assimilation: migrants were expected to abandon their cultures and become “Australian” (i.e. Anglo-Celtic) as quickly as possible
- The phrase “New Australians” was used to signal the expectation of cultural absorption
Integration (1960s)
- Growing recognition that assimilation was unrealistic and culturally destructive
- Migrants maintained cultural practices and community institutions; second-generation migrants navigated dual identities
- Policy began to shift toward “integration” — participation in Australian society while maintaining some cultural distinctiveness
Dismantling the White Australia Policy (1966–1973)
- Harold Holt government (1966): substantially relaxed racial criteria for migration
- Gough Whitlam government formally abolished the remnants of the White Australia Policy in 1973
- This opened the door to increased migration from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa
The Galbally Report and Official Multiculturalism (1978)
- The Galbally Report (Migrant Services and Programmes, 1978) — commissioned by the Fraser government
- Formally recommended multiculturalism as Australian policy: equal opportunity, respect for cultural diversity, and social cohesion
- Led to establishment of the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs (AIMA)
Contemporary Concept of Multiculturalism
Contemporary Australian multiculturalism rests on several key principles (as outlined in current government policy):
| Principle |
Meaning |
| Shared values |
All Australians, regardless of background, are expected to adhere to core democratic values, rule of law, and English as the national language |
| Cultural diversity |
The government recognises and values the cultural, linguistic, and religious contributions of all Australians |
| Equal opportunity |
All Australians have equal access to economic and social participation regardless of cultural background |
| Social cohesion |
Diversity is compatible with a unified national identity — “unity in diversity” |
Key Contemporary Documents
- Australian Multicultural Policy (most recent iteration: Towards Fairness: A Multicultural Australia for All, 2023)
- Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, Successful (2017)
- Australian Multicultural Council: advisory body to the government
EXAM TIP: Know the difference between assimilation, integration, and multiculturalism as policy frameworks. Be able to trace the historical progression from assimilation (1940s–60s) through integration (1960s) to multiculturalism (1970s–present). Know the Galbally Report by name as the key turning point.
STUDY HINT: Contemporary multiculturalism is contested — some argue it promotes cultural ghettoes and hinders social cohesion (critics like Samuel Huntington); others argue it doesn’t go far enough in addressing structural racism. Be ready to evaluate both sides.
