Dennis Norman Jeans: Historical Geographer and Landscape Interpreter Extraordinaire

This paper relates to the ideas and work of Dennis Jeans, widely known for his research into historical geography and historical conservation, as well as for publications in cultural landscapes and humanist geography. The material presented here is principally drawn from an interview with the author (in Tasmania) on 10 November 1998. Dr Jeans also provided some subsequent material. The author has known Jeans for over 32 years, her reflections stemming from having studied and worked with him, as well as from having maintained a long personal correspondence, especially over the last 14 years.     

The dismantling of the White Australia policy: elite conspiracy or will of the Australian people?

The White Australia policy was both an immigration policy and a nationalist doctrine which reflected Australia's desire to maintain itself as a white, British nation. Its abolition in 1973 created the conditions for the multicultural society Australia has become. Nevertheless, sporadic immigration controversies during the past two decades suggest the residual influence of this doctrine. Some commentators even claim that contemporary conflicts are the legacy of a reform process implemented by political leaders without the knowledge and consent of the Australian people. This article examines the factors and processes which compelled the dismantling of White Australia. It shows that assertions of an elite conspiracy to abolish it are exaggerated, failing to take into account the incrementalist nature of the public policy process in Australia and general public acceptance of policy reform.