The Greek Settlement in Australia

Abstract

Australia, vulnerable to external threat and in attempting to decentralize its labor market, managed to develop control mechanisms as well as a cohesive migration and settlement policy, thus controlling population movements. It is estimated that during the pre-WWII period, 16.000 Greek migrants arrived in Australia bringing with them their trades, ideas and institutions. During the post WWII period, approximately three million migrants settled in Australia, amongst whom 270.000 were from Greece. Greek settlers in Australia maintain their dual citizenship as well as their dual loyalty to both Greece and their host country. This type of identification, however, places most European and Asian settlers in a deprived situation because non-British identification often triggered resentment and intolerance. But, with the consolidation of the Greek community, the traditional reluctance and suspicion of the local Australian society towards Greek migrants and their linguistic and cultural background evaporated. Suspicion gradually changed to cautious tolerance and, finally, acceptance.