1972 Whitlam Labor government elected and declares it will end White Australia policy. Al Grassby becomes minister for immigration.

1973 Citizenship available after three years residence without distinction between British and non-British citizens. Chilean refugees accepted. Official declaration that immigration policy will not take account of race, colour or nationality. Telephone interpreter service begins.

1974 Migration program reduced. Greek Cypriots accepted after Turkish invasion. Grassby defeated in general election. Immigration Department abolished and Clyde Cameron becomes minister for labour and immigration. Other functions delegated to other departments.

1975 James McClelland becomes minister. Whitlam government removed and Labor defeated at general election. National Inquiry into Population presents its report (Borrie report). Racial Discrimination Act passed by Commonwealth parliament. Ethnic Communities' Councils established in Sydney and Melbourne.

1976 Fraser Liberal–National Country Party Coalition appoints Michael MacKellar as minister for immigration and ethnic affairs and restores former department. Amnesty for 8000 overstayers. Indochinese and Lebanese refugees accepted. Census population: 13 548 448.

1977 Australian Population and Immigration Council presents to parliament its response to Borrie report. Refugee policy revised. Australia as a Multicultural Society published by Australian Ethnic Affairs Council.

1978 Galbally report on migrant programs and services advocates ethnic-specific welfare and ethnic broadcasting, defines multiculturalism and is fully endorsed by Fraser government. Family reunion criteria relaxed. New South Wales Labor government publishes Participation and sets up an Ethnic Affairs Commission.

1979 Numerical Multifactor Assessment System (NUMAS) adopted from Canada to measure suitability and employability through a points system. Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) formed. Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs established in Melbourne. Orderly departure program agreed between Australia and Vietnam.

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