The nomination scheme
From 1911 people living in Tasmania could nominate a relative or friend in the United Kingdom as an immigrant. Nominators promised to house and employ, or find employment for, their nominees, and it was felt that ties of family or friendship would hold arrivals in the state.
Other immigration schemes included:
- Child migration – ‘boy farm learners’ aged 14-16. Seventy-one children arrived under this scheme in 1924, in six parties of twelve. The scheme did not prove successful.
- A scheme for domestic staff to immigrate ran from 1922-1931 but only assisted 175 people.
- Overseas settlement scheme for retired soldiers 1919-1921
Immigration from 1911-1925 was run by the Agricultural Department, as immigrants tended to be settled on the land. Control of immigration moved to the Industrial Department in 1925 as this changed.
In 1920 The Federal Government took full financial responsibility for immigration, overall control in the selection of migrants, and responsibility for migrant transport. States still had responsibility for migrants when they arrived. In 1946 the Commonwealth Government took complete control of immigration. Records of immigration were still kept by the Tasmanian Government, but control of immigration policy was at an end.