The 1916 'Secret Census' of Greeks: Monitoring a 'Suspect Community'

Activity: Talk or presentation typesInvited talk

Description

This presentation looks at the 'secret census', which was carried out in secret by Australian special intelligence and catalogued all Greeks in Australia in 1916. The 'secret census' registered the names of Greeks and Greek businesses, as well their genders, ages, professions, places of abode, naturalisation status, modes of transport and distance from state capitals, with a view of possible internment if Greece, which was neutral, decided to join the Central Powers. This presentation also explores the attacks on Greeks during the period, and how anti-migrant sentiments, questions of wartime loyalties, and issues of naturalisation, all contributed to the monitoring of Greeks as a 'Suspect Community', as seen through the 'secret census' being conducted. This research also reviews and contests the generally accepted number of Greeks in Australia during this period, and has a South Australia focus.
Period9 Oct 2023
Event titleOdyssey Festival 2023
Event typeConference
LocationAdelaide, Australia, South AustraliaShow on map
Degree of RecognitionRegional