jan 26, 1901 - Immigration Restriction Act 1901

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The immigration restriction act was one of the first laws passed by the Australian government after federation.It enabled the government to restrict the migration of people into Australia based upon their race. This act began the infamous White Australia policy. A dictation test was created as a test of a migrants ability to read, write and speak the English language. However, the test was made extremely difficult, even for those whose first language is English.

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