PM Transcripts

1) UAI A. I L
-PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO. 292
1 August 1974
REVISED AUSTRALIAN VISA POLICY
The Australian Government has informed the Governments
of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Fiji
that it has decided to require all persons entering Australia
for settlement or temporary stay to obtain visas.
This will remove a long-standing discriminatory practice
from Australia's immigration policy. For over 70 years European
British subjects ( now Commonwealth citizens) and Irish citizens
have been able to enter Australia without visa formalities,
whereas non-European Commonwealth citizens from the same countries
have been required to undergo visa formalities.
This preferential treatment afforded European over
non-European Commonwealth citizens is wholly inconsistent with
the Australian Government's non-discriminatory immigration policy.
From 1 January 1975 therefore Commonwealth citizens of European
descent and Irish citizens coming to Australia for any period,
whether for a visit or settlement, will be required to obtain
visas just as non-European people and European aliens do.
As well as removing a discriminatory practice from
Australia's immigration policy, the visa requirement will provide
a distinct strengthening of Australia's control of travellers.
At present those exempted represent a significant proportion of
people entering each year and come here without any form of prior
checking as to health or character. It will also provide a manpower
planning control which has been absent in the past.
The only continuing exception to the visa requirement
will be travellers already covered by the reciprocal arrangemfents
existing between the New Zealand and Australian Governments. As
agreed between the two'Governments, there will be continuing
consultation between officers to review the operation of these
arrangements. CANBERRA. A. C. T.