Since the 1850's, there had been a consistent flow of Germans, who eventually settled in Australian communities. When the war broke out, these well-established community members were deported to detainment camps. This was because the Australian government viewed them as a threat to our national security. They were detained in places such as Trial Bay Gaol (South West Rocks, N.S.W), Berrima Gaol (Berrima, N.S.W) and Holsworthy Barracks (Holsworthy, N.S.W). 4,500 people were detained, while the remaining Germans or enemy aliens were watched carefully by authorities but remained in their respective communities.
In World War Two, those of Japanese descent (7,000 settlers) were detained along with Germans and Italians, regardless of whether they were naturalised citizens or had lived in Australia for a considerable period of time.
In World War Two, those of Japanese descent (7,000 settlers) were detained along with Germans and Italians, regardless of whether they were naturalised citizens or had lived in Australia for a considerable period of time.