The assisted immigrants, 1837-1850 : a study of some aspects of the characteristics and origins of the immigrants assisted to New South Wales and the Port Phillip District, 1837-1850
Abstract
Immigration has been one of the most important themes of
Australian history. In recent years, immigrants have helped to change
Australian life and society. For example, immigrants have helped to
construct the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the Ord River Scheme and provided
much of the labour that enabled the development of.vast mining projects.
In the cities and country towns of Australia, immigrants have opened
new specialty cafes, restaurants and shops. They have contributed their
labour and money to help build and finance the unprecedented boom in
construction and housing. Not all of their effects have been beneficial,
however, because they have strained the educational systems, hospital
and medical facilities, social services and transport systems.
Moreover, the 'new Australians' have accentuated several of the other
major themes in Australian history - those of urbanization, conflict
over the educational system, allocation of state finances and the use
of land and natural resources.