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Migration Impact on Australia

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Migration Impact on Australia

Read the timeline and evidence cards, then answer the questions. Use evidence from the page to explain how migration changed Australia after 1945.

1945 | The Australian Government begins a large immigration programme. The aim includes increasing the population and workforce after the Second World War.

Late 1940s–1950s | Many displaced people from Europe and other migrants arrive. Some come through assisted-passage schemes.

1950s–1960s | Migration helps expand the workforce and contributes to the growth of cities, suburbs and infrastructure.

1970s | After the Vietnam War, people from Vietnam and other parts of Indochina arrive as refugees.

1973 | The government adopts a policy of multiculturalism, recognising that cultural diversity was part of Australian society.

Across the post-war decades | Australia becomes more culturally diverse. Migrants also face barriers, including prejudice and the effects of restrictive immigration policies that were dismantled over time.

Read the evidence

The phrase “populate or perish” expressed a post-war concern that Australia needed a larger population for security and economic development. Migration contributed to population growth alongside natural increase (births minus deaths). Migrants worked in many areas, including construction, manufacturing, transport and services. Their languages, food, customs and faiths added to the cultural life of communities. Experiences varied: some people found new opportunities, while others encountered discrimination, separation from family or difficulty settling in.

Investigate the impacts

1.Which statement best explains the post-war government’s reason for encouraging migration?

To increase the population and workforce
To replace all Australian-born workers
To prevent cities from growing
To bring migration to a complete stop

2.According to the timeline, who were among the people arriving in large numbers in the late 1940s and 1950s?

3.True or false? Australia’s post-war population growth came only from migration, with no contribution from births.

TrueFalse

4.Complete the sentence: After the Vietnam War, many people from Vietnam and other parts of Indochina arrived in Australia as .

5.Match each development to the impact it most directly describes.

Migrant workers took jobs in construction and manufacturing
People brought languages, food and customs
New arrivals needed places to live

Greater cultural diversity
Growth of the workforce and economy
Expansion of suburbs and infrastructure

6.Identify two changes migration contributed to in Australia after 1945. Give one demographic or economic change and one social or cultural change.

7.The timeline says the government adopted a policy of multiculturalism in 1973. In your own words, what does multiculturalism recognise?

8.Name one challenge migrants could face and explain briefly how it might affect a person or family.

9.Use evidence from the timeline and reading to explain why post-1945 migration had both economic and social impacts on Australia. Write 3–4 sentences.