On this episode of the 'Surviving Constitutional Law' podcast, we will be starting our two-part journey in understanding the powers over migration possessed by the Commonwealth government. We begin with s 51 (xxvii), the 'Immigration and Emigration' power.

This episode covers the federation period and drafting of the provision, 'White Australia' policy laws, the High Court's endorsement of the absorption principle and comparison with the immigration powers of the United States and Canadian federal governments, respectively. 

This episode ties in directly with the next in our series on the 'Aliens' power in s 51 (xix), so stay tuned for that instalment coming soon...