Federation

Question 1

When did Australia Federate?

Answer 1

1 January, 1901

Question 2

What were the reasons for federation?

Answer 2

• Nationalism: There was a growing sense of patriotism, nationalism, loyalty and devotion to Australia. Many wanted to federate in order to form one unique nation.
• Immigration Restriction: Federation would strengthen Australia’s borders and reduce immigration. Due to lots of racism towards non-whites at this time, this was one of the deciding factors in the eventual federation.
• Security and Defence: A national defence force was seen as a more effective way of dealing with outside threats like France, Germany, Russia, who had all recently colonized within close proximity to Australia.
• Free Trade: Many traders wanted tariffs between borders to be abolished.
• Improved communications: All capital cities were connected by telegraph, and a telephone cable had been laid between Melbourne and Sydney.
• A single rail network: Standardization of train gauges that were previously different for each state.
• Britain’s Support: They encouraged the formation of a responsible, allied government, as managing their large empire was proving costly and problematic.

Question 3

What were the reasons against Federation?

Answer 3

• Tradition: There was no tradition of uniting Australia; Aborigines lived in local groups and settlers established six individual colonies.
• Belonging: Most people still felt they belonged to England, rather than Australia. Those who were born in Australia saw themselves belonging to the state, rather than the country.
• Distance: The continent was massive, making it difficult to set up communication and transport. Differing train gauges throughout the colony made this even more difficult.
• Labour Movement: Trade unions secured many benefits for workers in the industries and were concerned that the introduction of a government would undo these.
• Protectionism: NSW did not put tariffs (taxes) on goods coming in to their colony, but Victoria did. This meant that one of the two states would have to give in. There was also great rivalry between these states. People believed that the removal of protectionism would be detrimental for local businesses.
• Loss of power: The colonies felt they would lose all their power to the central government. The smaller colonies also feared that the parliament would be dominated by the states with the largest populations, allowing them to control the country.
• Cheap Labour: Cane farmers used Pacific Islanders as labourers on their farms, and they knew that if there were a federation, the White Australia Policy would end cheap coloured labour.

Question 4

What 2 acts made up the majority of the white Australia policy?

Answer 4

The pacific Island labourers act, the immigration restriction act

Question 5

Why was the white Australia Policy ended?

Answer 5

• Egon Erwin Kisch- Exiled from Germany, Lyons Government tried to exclude him, finally did via Dictation test in Scottish Gaelic.
• High court found that Scottish Gaelic test was unfair, meaning that he could enter, causing the dictation test to receive widespread public ridicule.
• Migration Act 1958- Abolished dictation test.
• ¬¬Holt liberal Migration Act (1966)- Abolished majority of White Australia.

Question 6

What was the Pacific Island labourers act?

Answer 6

An act allowing for the deportation of pacific islanders in QLD

Question 7

What was the Immigration Restriction act?

Answer 7

An act prohibiting the entry of all non-Europeans into Australia. The act meant that foreigners were given a 50-word dictation test, in any European language of the officer’s choice.