Premier Joseph A. Lyons announced to the Federation Parliament tonight that the Government had set a quota of 15,000 refugees for the next three years. The plan, he said, had the approval of all parties, including the Labor oppos- ition. Labor leader John Curtin agreed that the figure was a reasonable one. Earlier in the day a bill was introduced in the Senate providing that all foreigners must register and placing restrictions upon their movements within Australia.
Meanwhile, L17,000 (about $85,000) to aid refugees was raised tonight at a meeting of Jews in Melbourne at which ex-Governor-General Sir Isaac Isaacs presided. Interior Minister John McEwen wrote commending the appeal. He said: “It is necessary in the interests of the refugees that an adequate organization assist in finding a place for land settlement and establishment in industry. I feel sure that Australian citizens devoting themselves to the interests of the unfortunate refugees are performing a service of real value to Australia.”
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