United we stood but divided we were: Chinese Australian unity and the 1984 immigration debate. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gardner, Nathan Daniel
• Is Part Of: History Australia. Volume 19:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Chinese Australian history -- multicultural history -- community organisations -- ethnic identity -- Chinese diaspora -- immigration debate; Australia -- History -- Periodicals; Australia; History; Periodicals; 905
• DOI: 10.1080/14490854.2022.2048038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1449-0854

Abstract

Abstract: This article investigates the concept of Chinese Australian unity as articulated in the context of the 1984 'immigration debate'. It does so through a study of the histories of three Chinese Australian community organisations from different parts of the country, tracing them from the onset of the immigration debate to the aftermath of the '1986 National Conference of the Australian Chinese Community'. It argues that even powerful motivations for pursuing the goal of ethnic unity might only temporarily overcome the inherent differences between Chinese Australian communities and their representative organisations.