Summary heading

K403 – Correspondence files, single number series with ‘W59’ prefix

Function and purpose

This series comprises what is known as the Department's “Policy and Subject” files covering a wide range of matters encompassing the Department's activities. They should be distinguished from the Department's “case” files series (CRS K47). A random selection of policy files dealt with the following subjects:

Assimilation – Welfare – Work – Commonwealth Hostels Migrant Welfare Service [1969-1970]

Nationality – Naturalization ceremonies – Cuballing Shire [1967-1978]

Prisoners of War and Internees – General [1947-1965]

Unassisted migration – General – Notes on Australia’s established immigration policy [1964-1967]

Deportation – General – Woodman’s Point Detention Centre [1958-1968]

Students – General – Medical Students Exchange Scheme [1965]

Refugees – General – Russian refugees from China (Three Rivers District) [1962-1964]

Employer – Nominations by Employers Federation for Bricklayers [1971-1979]

Publicity – General – Press Statements – Department replies to inquiries by press

Physical characteristics

The contents of the files in this series vary widely depending on what function is being documented. The covers of the files examined are printed with Department of Immigration and below this title is the 'subject'. The file number is printed in both the top and bottom right hand corners. The remainder of the file is divided into six columns, allowing for (twice over) folio no., referred to and date, clearing officer’s initials and date. The files have a distinctive band that extends from the top to the bottom on either the left or right hand side. This band may be in a wide range of different colours, for example, yellow, green, purple, blue, brown, black, red or grey.

System of arrangement and control

The system of control is single number with a 'W59' prefix indicating Western Australia and the year 1959. The 'W59' prefix has remained constant throughout the years, so that a file raised say, in 1965, would still have the 'W59' prefix followed by the next consecutive number.

Some files have been top-numbered into a subsequent multiple number series and papers from PP6/1 have been incorporated into this series.

Relationships with other records

This series, along with K451, cover the main policy and administrative functions of the Immigration Department in Western Australia. CRS K47 is the main case file series for the Department, and documents individual’s dealings.

Finding aids

It appears that all items in this series have been registered at item level in RecordSearch. Individual items can be retrieved using K403 as a reference number in a keyword search.