While the Australian Government has reaffirmed in principle its policy of many years standing not to grant special facilities for mass immigration of any elements other than British – it has in no way altered the conditions under which Jews may enter and settle in the country, the J.T.A. was reliably informed.
For many years it has been Australian policy to give preference in immigration to people of British stock and to prevent the formation in the Commonwealth of communities of alien race and culture. To encourage immigration of British people, the Government last month announced a scheme of assisted migration for people from the United Kingdom. It should be noted, however, that even this scheme has resulted in much criticism in Australia where it is feared it will result in further unemployment.
Prime Minister Lyons stated here recently that admittance of Jewish refugees to Australia could be considered only as part of any general migration scheme, the basis of which would be preference for suitable migrants of British stock. Minister of Interior McEwen, has now stated the Government’s position further. Aliens will receive no financial assistance or encouragement from the Government to enter the country. In the future, alien applicants will not be allowed to seek work in the Queensland cane fields and in certain other areas. Further, there would be no arrangement with the Italian Government for the admission of Italian immigrants.
With regard to the position of Jews wishing to settle in Australia, Mr. McEwen said that each case would have to be dealt with on its merits and there will be no special facilities for the admission of groups.
Applications for immigration permits have to be obtained from British consulates or the Australian High Commissioners’ offices in the various countries, and sent to Canberra, by the applicant, with all the necessary documents and information. Permits of three types are granted:
1. For dependents and other relations of residents, subject to guarantees as to their maintenance.
2. For those possessing L50 landing money and a guarantee that they will not become a charge on the State nor affect the employment of Australians.
3. For those not having guarantees, but having £200 landing money, who can prove to the Ministry of Interior that they are not likely to affect employed Australians.
As in the past, Jews who can qualify for a permit under these conditions, it is pointed out here, can apply for permission to settle in the country and each particular case will be judged on its individual merits. But the Australian Government does not now contemplate any special conditions for mass immigration of Jews or any other nationalities except British.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
