The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has this year celebrated its 65th birthday, having been established by Australia’s 16th Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, in July 1945.

Australia’s population at the time was a mere seven million people. World War II had taken a heavy toll on the country both economically and emotionally, and Chiefley realised that Australia needed migrants to enhance the nation’s economic and population growth. 65 years later, DIAC continues its proud tradition as a nation builder, delivering a world class migration program.

The minister for Immigration when DIAC was originally established in 1945 was Arthur Calwell, who was the first to enact and oversee a planned Australian migration program. This ongoing program has enabled more than seven million people from around the world to migrate to, live in and work in the great nation of Australia, including more than 750,000 refugees.

DIAC secretary, Andrew Metcalfe, confirmed the importance of migrants to the Australian community, economy and lifestyle, stating “over many years, these migrants have contributed to Australia’s reputation as a powerful emerging economy and one of the world’s most culturally diverse, tolerant and accepting nations.”

Metcalfe acknowledged that the new millennium presented both opportunities and challenges for Australia in managing its growing population, economy and its obligations as a global citizen. But he promised to continue to deliver the skills Australia needs through DIAC’s migration and humanitarian programs. He stated that Australia will also continue to uphold its international obligations in providing the families most in humanitarian need with the opportunity to reunite and establish new lives in Australia.

Metcalfe proudly affirmed that DIAC is committed to continuing its long standing tradition of providing migration options and solutions to those wishing to migrate to Australia, stating “we will continue to welcome people formally to the Australian family through the promotion of Australian citizenship as our common bond.”