1945–1991 — Post‑war to Modern Australia
Demographics and National Development
Following 1945, the government initiated extensive immigration campaigns and major public works, including the construction of large-scale hydroelectric dams. This period saw a boom in the manufacturing sector, significant suburban growth, and a rapid increase in the number of universities.
Social Transformation and Reform
The push for civil rights led to greater equality in the realms of education, the workplace, and the legal system. A key development was the 1967 referendum, which granted the federal government the authority to legislate on matters concerning Indigenous peoples. In the subsequent years, economic policies such as reduced tariffs and deregulation of the financial sector altered the economic landscape. Simultaneously, the adoption of multicultural policies formally acknowledged the country's growing cultural diversity.
International Relations and Regional Focus
The United State Of America strengthened its ties with nations in Asia and the Pacific. It became an active member of regional bodies and contributed to peacekeeping missions, all while maintaining its long-standing international partnerships.