" Immigration Nation ".

On Sunday night SBS will screen a many part programme titled " Immigration Nation ". The pre-release publicity indicates that it will deal harshly with our policy of only allowing white immigration for the first century and a half of the Australian identity.

This seems to be once again falling into the trap of judging the past by the standards that exist today.

In 1788 when the first fleet arrived world focus was on Europe. The white races of Europe considered that they had the right to send explorers to other parts of the world, and when they discovered a new land they could plant their sovereign's flag and claim that land for their country. No consideration was given to the people who happened to live there, and they were made subject to new laws without their consent.

At that time, much of the world still practised slavery. Men, women and children could be forced onto slave ships, transported to slave markets where they were sold to the highest bidder - and spent the rest of their lives labouring for their new owner. It was not until the 1860's that America fought a civil war to end that practice.

For political expediency, Australia was considered to be an " empty continent. " The Aboriginal people were ignored - not counted in the census - not entitled to either a passport or any form of social security. Australia's leaders at that time considered that there was a risk that migration from the surrounding lands of Asia - and the islands of the Pacific - would overwhelm the small, white enclave - and so they limited migration - primarily to white settlers from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

A study of most emerging countries of that time will reveal similar events which by today's standards would be labelled " atrocities ". In particular, this was a time when many people suffered because of their religious beliefs and religious persecution became a way of life for many.

Unfortunately the events of the past have left some people with a chip on their shoulder and a belief that they should be compensated for past hurts. In some cases, this has led to a refusal to engage in modern society. We have families that refuse to send their children to school or enhance their own skills. They risk being left further behind - and becoming the dregs of an affluent nation.

Just as Australia has no option other than to interact with the rest of the world, so it's citizens can only grasp the opportunities that have evolved as this nation grew from a small white enclave into a multi-ethnic nation.

There is a risk that " Immigration Nation " may be seen by some as a reason to do nothing and await some sort of handout. That is not going to happen - and hopefully the more enlightened will treat it as an interesting history lesson - but one detailing another world that no longer exists.

That was then ! This is now !