THE CHANGING PERSPECTIVE OF AUSTRALIAN MASS IMMIGRATION PROGRAM

Drafting the current Australian mass immigration program should include its existing immigration restriction that is undertaken on the basis of humanitarian, skill and family reunion. These categories have superseded the enduring racial basis in 1972, which had been implemented for many years under the influence of White Australia Policy. However, such replacement needs to be interpreted with caution as the nonracial basis of immigration restriction in some points also precipitate economic and environmental problems in Australian society. Criticism towards the current immigration policy is inevitable, and more importantly, questions to the rationales behind the demise of White Australia Policy have eventually become apparent. In a response to the contentious discourse related to the demise of White Australia Policy, the present study aims to investigate the motivations behind the decision of the Australian government to dismantle White Australia Policy. For this purpose, two main aspects behind the termination have been examined using qualitative approach on the grounds of decision-making theories. These aspects include international and domestic pressures. With regard to the international pressures, it has been found that the post World War II global changing order and some inevitable bilateral relationship turbulence sparked the review of the policy. Besides, the international pressures also include the end of Vietnam War in the 1970s along with post-war pressures for change. In regard to the domestic pressures, it has been found that the domestic tensions were inevitable. These tensions include showdown within the government, the changing domestic politics and the emergence of some notable immigration reform movements. Moreover, the economic and military capabilities are also regarded as another domestic aspects behind the policy termination. Based on the findings, the present study has identified some pivotal rationales behind the demise of White Australia Policy. Among them are the growing international and domestic criticisms toward the policy during the second half of twentieth century, as well as the Australia’s national interest to create a social and economic stability.