Episode 6
th
24 March 2009
Activity
Migration Cuts
Key Learning
Students will explore the concepts of multiculturalism and identity through their own migration stories.
The Australian Curriculum
History / Historical Knowledge and Understanding /
The Australian Colonies
The reasons people migrated to Australia from Europe
and Asia, and the experiences and contributions of a particular
migrant group within a colony. (ACHHK096)
History / Historical Skills / Historical questions and
research
Identify and locate a range of relevant sources (ACHHS120)
History / Historical Knowledge and Understanding /
Australia as a Nation
The contribution of individuals and groups, including Aboriginal
people and/or Torres Strait Islanders and migrants, to the
development of Australian society, for example in areas such as
the economy, education, science, the arts, sport. (ACHHK116)
Stories of groups of people who migrated to Australia (including
from ONE Asian country) and the reasons they migrated, such
as World War II and Australian migration programs since the
war. (ACHHK115)
Discussion Questions
1. Summarise the BtN story about migration cuts.
2. Why was immigration encouraged after the Second World War?
3. How does the Government decide how many immigrants are allowed to stay in Australia?
4. What are skilled migrants?
5. Why are they important to the Australian economy?
6. Why has the Government decided to cut the number of skilled migrants?
7. Why do some people disagree with this?
8. Do you think the Government should reduce the number of skilled migrants? Explain your answer.
9. Use three adjectives to describe the influence of immigration on Australia.
10. Has your thinking about immigration changed since watching the BtN story? Why or why not?
©ABC 2009
Activities
Migration Stories
Students will be exploring how Australia’s identity has been influenced by immigration. They will
investigate their own family heritage by researching migration of family members.
Working in pairs, ask students to discuss and record what they think it means to be Australian. Share
and record the class responses. Keep these responses and compare them with students’ thinking at the
end of the activity.
Discuss what students understand about multiculturalism in Australia. What does cultural diversity mean
for Australia? What impact has migration had on the Australia we live in today?
Ask them to think about their own family heritage. What do they know about their own migration stories?
Where did family members migrate from and what was the reason for their migration? They may need to
speak to their family to find out more information. Using photographs, memorabilia or other culturally
significant objects, student will present their migration story in an interesting format. This could include:
Object/photo display
Oral presentation
Short video
Photo story
After the migration stories have been shared with the class, ask students to reflect on the question posed
earlier `what does it mean to be Australian?’ Compare responses with earlier ones.
Reflection
What do they understand more clearly about their own cultural identity after completing this investigation?
Further Investigation
Research and create a timeline showing the history of migration in Australia since 1788.
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Boom gate lowered to protect jobs
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/16/2516766.htm
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – People, culture and lifestyle
http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html
Migration Museum – Interactive activity: Knocking on the door of White Australia
http://www.history.sa.gov.au/migration/edu/activity.htm
©ABC 2009