Records of travel and settlement

The migration and settlement of Chinese people in Australia was closely controlled by the Australian Government during the first half of the 20th century. Various laws, including the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, made up what was known as the White Australia Policy.

While the policy was a great trial for Chinese Australians, it has left a wealth of documents through which we can explore their lives and communities. The showcase below is a small selection of the kinds of records about Chinese Australians that are held in the National Archives around Australia.

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    Teang Wee's naturalisation certificate
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    Proclamation for Chun Chi Non
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    Mr and Mrs Willian Yinson Lee
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    Certificate of Domicile for Wong Bow
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    Henry Sam's attestation paper
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    Lee Kee Chong
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    Ormond Atkinson's birth certificate
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    Alien registration for Sam Goon
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    Dempsey Hong
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    Chun Que, daughter of Maudie Kim Kow
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    Chinese identity certificate for Fung Yim
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    Memorandum for Sym Choon
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    See-tho Soon Yee and her son
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    Sweeney Wing Chee's student passport
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    Chinese Times , 20 June 1925
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    Mabel Wong
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    Letter on Wing Sang & Co. letterhead
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    Alien registration for Wee Shin Yocklunn
Copyright National Archives of Australia 2013