Minister for Immigration, Al Grassby, delivers the ‘Family of the Nation’ speech, introducing the term ‘multicultural’ and linking it with social justice. A policy of multiculturalism begins to develop.
Federal Labor Government announces that future migration policy will be non-discriminatory with regard to race, colour and nationality.
Wide ranging reforms to immigration and visa rules are made. Residence qualification for non-British migrants to be naturalised is reduced from 5 years to 3 (the same as for British) and the words ‘British subject’ are removed from Australian passports. There is an amnesty for illegal immigrants and racially selected sporting teams are banned from visiting Australia.
Aboriginal Land Rights Commission is established.
National Aboriginal Consultative Committee, an elected advisory body to the Commonwealth Government, is established.
Ethnic Communities’ Councils are established in Victoria and South Australia. By 1979, Councils exist in all states.
Telephone Interpreter Service is established.
Chilean refugees begin arriving in Australia after the overthrow of the Allende Government.
