Maltese incident of 1916 Australia Children of Billy Hughes ABC TV Lateline 2003 Barry York

The Maltese of New Caledonia, also known as 'the children of Billy Hughes', were a group of migrants turned away from Australia in 1916, under the 'dictation test' of the Immigration (Restriction) Act.
The test could be applied in any European language and was administered to the Maltese in Dutch.
ABC TV's 'Lateline' program ran this segment about the incident in 2003.
I appeared on the program and the ABC sent me a video back then, which I have recently digitized with a view to preservation and to share with anyone interested in the Maltese-Australian story or the story of Australia's restrictive immigration policies.

[@aravr_project]

Please help me spread the word of Australia Hall, Pembroke. I am hoping to get the building restored. With this building, not only does it cement the Anzac history in Malta, but the incredible effort the Maltese people had on the recovery of our Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Restoration of Australia Hall Malta Project. And yes, I am fully aware of the political and controversial history. I just want to see the building restored as an important Australian/New Zealand-Maltese connection.

[@charlieabela1719]

This makes you cry No after all Malta’s and the Maltese done for Australians and Commonwealth in both war. I’m proud to be a Maltese no wonder Malta and the Maltese will give him a George cross

[@georgebugeja1855]

Australia's which were wounded were helped to recover in Malta ,my family migrated after World war 2 , and I returned to Malta after 3 years .Malta was still under British rule at the time and migration was legal . Shame of Billy Hughes .

[@SLR-hn5yy]

Barry I have your book. It also mentions that your dad was the first Maltese Mayor in Australia specifically Brunswick.