Australian perceptions of Maltese immigrants : a study in change

Abstract

In 2010, Mr. Virgil Bugeja, the secretary of the Friends of Australia Association, wrote in the Times of Malta that the ‘Maltese have integrated very well in Australia’, an assertion based on his own personal experience and on the words of numerous Australian politicians. It is a broad statement but, considering that as of 2016 there were just over 175,000 Maltese descendants in Australia, it is one that comes as no surprise. This assertion however is in itself a source of thought. As Europe faces one of the biggest migration crises in recent times, the word ‘integration’ remains exceedingly prominent in anything related to the subject. Despite its importance though, actual tangible integration is extremely difficult to achieve. This can be put down to a number of things; but one factor in particular is especially important; perception. What is perception? Perception can be defined as the way in which something or someone is regarded, understood, or interpreted. It is something that has a strong hold on the nature of any society.In fact it is on perception that the opinion of an individual and, in turn, of the general public is based; opinions which then have an effect on the political thinking, and hence decisions, of a country. Migration is one of the most important elements of the demographic history of our planet; but it remains a deeply embattled concept in society. Indeed, in any society, the strongest perceptions are generally those surrounding immigrants. The social fear of the foreigner and of his culture and way of life is a phenomenon that is based primarily on perceptionand one that is still prominent today. These perceptions can come in different forms and focus on different things; but in the end their importance, especially when dealing with migration, are paramount. This thesis focuses on these perceptions in relation to the migration of Maltese to Australia. It shall delve into the perceptions that Australians had of Maltese, and how these affected the plight of the Maltese immigrants who travelled to the Antipodes in search of a home.