Immigration Restriction Act 1901

The immigration restriction act was an act of the parliament of Australia, which really limited immigration to Australia. This helped form the "White Australia Policy". This helped send back some illegal things and people. This helped the officers prevent people from coming into Australia. This act started a new range of federal crimes linking to immigration. Some illegal immigrants could be deported and put in jail for up to 6 months. The immigration restriction act stated that all immigrants had to sign in addition to 50 words in European language as directed by the officer. The immigration restriction act was eventually replaced by the migration act 1958. Although, the white Australian policy was not fully eliminated until 1973. Quote: "The Dictation Test was administered 805 times in 1902–03 with 46 people passing and 554 times in 1904–09 with only six people successful. After 1909 no person passed the Dictation Test and people who failed were refused entry or deported". 

  Why is this piece of legislation so important?

This piece of legislation  is important is we feel the need that we should stop illegal immigrants from coming into Australia. 

How has it influenced modern Australian society?
It has influenced our society by preventing the illegal immigrants from coming to our country and getting away with importing illegally.

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