1901

Immigration Restriction Act

First Commonwealth immigration legislation

1946

‘… the days of our isolation are over’

Immigration Minister’s speech

1947

Displaced persons scheme begins

To assist Eastern Europe refugees from countries controlled by Soviet Union immediately after WWII

1949

Snowy Mountains Scheme

Major public works scheme using mainly migrant workers

1954

End of Displaced Person’s Scheme

Provided about 170,000 refugees as migrants to Australia

1956

The Hungarian Revolution

14,000 refugees to Australia after Soviet Union invasion

1958

Immigration Dictation Test abolished

key mechanism of White Australia policy

1959

The ‘Nest Egg Scheme’

Over £500 and own accommodation required

1963

New Migration policy criteria

immigration selection on individual merits rather than nationality

1968

Czechoslovakian refugees to Australia

6000 refugees to Australia following invasion by Soviet Union