2. 'The Golden Race'

How did we get to the White Australia policy in the first place? In Episode 2 of Australia Fair, host Janak Rogers dives into the long and turbulent history of Australia’s relationship with China. From today’s sensational media coverage stoking fears of Chinese invasion to the discriminatory fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode explores how these issues intersect with Australia's historical prejudices and contemporary anxieties. We delve into the dark legacy of anti-Chinese sentiment from the Gold Rush era, tracing its influence on policies like the White Australia policy and its modern manifestations. Featuring interviews with filmmaker Corrie Chen, historians Natalie Fong and Anna Kyi and more, Janak tries to upack the complex relationship between Australia and China, and reflect on the historical roots that continue to shape our nation's approach to race and immigration.

This image titled 'The Mongolian Octopus - His Grip on Australia' appeared in The Bulletin in 1886. The magazine was a major proponent of the White Australia policy, and the edition that this graphic appeared in was devoted to condemning Chinese migration to Australia.

I think certainly a part of it is the belief that the ones in power are white Australians. The dominant ideology in this country will always be white Australians, I feel like a, anyone who dares to question that is a very brave person.

Corrie Chen — writer and filmmaker

Chinese Australians protest outside Australian Prime Minister John Howard's office during a Rally Against Racism in 1998, which condemned the policies of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party. Source: AFP / TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP via Getty Images

Australia Fair offers a critical look at the nation's struggle to reconcile its diverse present with its exclusionary past.

LISTEN TO

2. 'The Golden Race'

SBS Audio

28:32English

Find all episodes in the eight-part series in the SBS Audio app or other podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and LiSTNR.

GUESTS

Corrie Chen - screenwriter/director New Gold Mountain

Natalie Fong - historian and Adjunct Research Fellow in the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research

Anna Kyi - historian at the Sovereign Hill Museums Association

Emelda Davis - Councillor (Waskam), founding chair Association of South Sea Islanders

Australia Fair is created by Janak Rogers

Additional editing by Max Gosford

The podcast is dedicated to Joyrsri Trivedi Rogers (1945 — 2024). "Woman Extraordinary. Plenipotentiary. Citizen of the World, Origin India". And, to John Michael Rogers (1932 - 2002).