LibGuides: HIS 09: Australians at War: 'Enemy Aliens' WWI

Resources

Alien registration records
Between 1916 and 1926, and again between 1939 and 1971, immigrants to Australia who were not British subjects had restrictions placed on them in the interest of Australia's national security. (NAA website)
War Precautions Act 1914
After the outbreak of the First World War, the federal parliament, following the lead of Britain, passed the War Precautions Act 1914.
Internment camps (State Library NSW)
Wartime internment camps in Australia (NAA)

Trial Bay NSW - German prisoners

Trial Bay Gaol
Mini-series: Always afternoon In 1915 Australia, German prisoners of war, as well as Aussies of German heritage, are kept in camps. This creates many animosities toward the authorities, but in this account the camp is very relaxed in its discipline... enough that one of its prisoners, a violinist, is able to fall in love with one of the local Australian women. While we cannot link to the actual 4-part mini- series, it is available to watch on streaming services such as Prime and Apple TV+

Holsworthy Internment Camp NSW

Holsworthy Camp (Wikipedia) This camp was the largest in Australia during WWI, and located near Liverpool, Sydney, This article includes information and references.
The enemy at home (Migration Heritage Centre)

During the First World War, for security reasons, the Australian government pursued a comprehensive internment policy against 'enemy aliens' living in Australia. Under the 'War Precautions Act 1914' nearly 7,000 people of German and Austrian descent wwere interned in camps in Australia. War time paranoia was most strongly directed at non-British, particulary Germans. The internmnet camp at Holsworthy consisted of a collection of tents and huts complete with theatres, restuarants, cafes and small businesses. Living conditions at Holsworthy were overcrowded and sanitary facilities were basic. Of all the camps, Holsworthy was the harshest and resembled a prison. A strict regime of control was enforced by camp authorities. The camp remained open until the last internees were repatriated in 1920. During the Second World War, as it had been during the First World War, Holsworthy was again used as an internment camp. (Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/ART16578)