What was the purpose of the White Australian Policy?

The purpose of the White Australian Policy was to restrict non-European immigration to Australia. This policy was implemented in the early 20th century to maintain a predominantly Anglo-Saxon population, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of racial superiority and nationalism at the time. The policy aimed to limit the cultural diversity of immigrants coming to Australia, promoting the idea that only Europeans were suitable to be part of the nation. By enforcing strict immigration laws that discriminated against people from non-European backgrounds, the White Australian Policy shaped the demographic and cultural landscape of the country for decades. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the policy began to be dismantled, paving the way for a more diverse society.