Multiculturalism in Australia
Topic: Settler Colonialism: Native Peoples of America and Australia · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 6 "Displacing Indigenous Peoples"
Meaning
Multiculturalism became Australia's official policy in 1974, when the White Australia policy ended. Under this policy, native cultures and the many cultures of immigrants from Europe and Asia were to be given equal respect. It marked a break from the long effort to keep Australia "white".
Example
In 1974 the government ended the White Australia policy and admitted Asian immigrants. Between 1948 and 1975, about two million European migrants had already arrived. Together, these changes made Australia a country of many cultures.
Don't confuse with
- "Joining the mainstream" (USA and Canada): in the 1950s and 1960s, the US and Canadian governments wanted natives to give up their own ways and adopt European culture. Australian multiculturalism aimed at the opposite: respect for each culture as it is.
Related concepts
- Indian Reorganisation Act
- Constitution Act 1982
- Great Australian Silence
- Mabo case
- Stolen Generations
- National Sorry Day