Australia and the World Past and Present

Since its formation in 1944, the Liberal Party of Australia has played a significant role in shaping Australia’s multicultural society.

Liberal governments have overseen major reforms that have contributed to the growth of one of the world’s most successful multicultural nations.

From dismantling racially discriminatory immigration policies to expanding migration, Liberal governments have made substantial contributions to Australia’s multicultural development.

One of the Liberal Party’s most significant achievements was its role in ending the White Australia Policy. The decisive turning point came under the Liberal Government led by Prime Minister Harold Holt. In 1966, reforms were announced that removed many of the racial restrictions that had governed immigration since Federation. These changes enabled skilled migrants from Asia and other non-European countries to settle permanently in Australia and become eligible for citizenship.

These reforms marked a fundamental shift from race-based immigration towards a more inclusive system based on skills and humanitarian considerations.

These reforms laid the foundations for the complete abolition of the White Australia Policy, creating the basis for Australia’s modern multicultural society.

Throughout the post-war decades, Liberal administrations encouraged millions of migrants from Europe to settle in Australia recognising that migration would strengthen economic growth, address labour shortages and increase Australia’s population.

As migration patterns diversified during the 1970s and beyond, Liberal governments increasingly welcomed migrants from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. This broadening of Australia’s migration intake contributed to the nation’s cultural diversity.

The Fraser Government (1975–1983) occupies an important place in Australia’s multicultural history.

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser strongly supported multiculturalism as a national policy and argued that Australians could retain their cultural heritage while fully participating in Australian society.

His government significantly expanded humanitarian migration following the Vietnam War and took in tens of thousands of refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. These humanitarian programs not only provided sanctuary for people fleeing conflict but also enriched Australia’s cultural landscape.

The Fraser Government also strengthened institutions supporting multiculturalism.

The establishment and expansion of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) under Fraser provided multilingual radio and television services that enabled migrants to maintain connections with their languages and cultures while they integrated into Australian society. SBS is often held up as one of Australia’s most successful multicultural institutions.

The legacy of Fraser and his government have been downplayed in recent decades – even within the Liberal Party.

Much of this has to do with the ‘wets’ versus the ‘drys’ within the party, or one might say the moderates versus more conservative elements. Some within the Liberal Party see the Fraser years as time of lost opportunity. Such critics tend to be more sympathetic to John Howard’s government. Howard was more partial to privatisation and deregulation that Fraser was.

There is a lot in the Fraser years that relates to multicultural policy. If the Liberal Party want to focus more upon its successes in the sphere of multiculturalism, it may have to revive the memory of the Fraser government more strongly.

The Howard Government (1996–2007) maintained a strong skilled migration program and continued accepting significant numbers of humanitarian migrants.

The Liberal Party’s approach to multiculturalism has generally promoted a strong sense of Australian identity, while acknowledging that one’s cultural heritage is also important.

The Liberal Party has made enduring contributions to Australia’s multicultural development.

Through dismantling racially based immigration policies, expanding migration and humanitarian programs, supporting settlement services and strengthening multicultural institutions, Liberal governments have helped transform Australia into one of the world’s most diverse and successful multicultural democracies.