Meaning: The quote you provided is from Colleen McCullough, an Australian author, and it touches on the controversial issue of the White Australia policy. This policy was a set of historical government initiatives aimed at restricting non-European immigration to Australia. The quote suggests that the Labour Party of today may be uncomfortable with the idea that they supported or benefited from this policy, but the speaker, Colleen McCullough, believes that they did.

The White Australia policy was a series of laws and regulations that were implemented from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. The policy aimed to maintain the "purity" of the white race in Australia and restrict non-European immigration. It included measures such as the dictation test, which allowed immigration officials to administer a test in any European language to exclude non-European immigrants, as well as the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, which formed the basis for the policy.

The policy had a significant impact on the demographic makeup of Australia, as it effectively excluded non-European immigrants and resulted in a predominantly white population for many years. It also had broader social and economic implications, shaping the cultural and political landscape of the country for decades.

In her quote, Colleen McCullough seems to be suggesting that the Labour Party, a major political party in Australia, may have had a role in supporting or perpetuating the White Australia policy. This is a controversial and sensitive issue, as the policy has been widely condemned for its discriminatory and exclusionary nature. The policy has been a source of national shame and has been officially dismantled, with successive Australian governments acknowledging and apologizing for its impact on non-European communities.

The quote raises questions about the historical stance and actions of political parties in relation to immigration and racial policies. It also highlights the ongoing debate and reflection on Australia's history of immigration and race relations. The Labour Party, like other political parties, has evolved over time, and its historical positions on issues such as immigration have been the subject of scrutiny and criticism.

It is important to note that the quote reflects the perspective of Colleen McCullough, who was a prominent and controversial figure in Australian literature. She was known for her outspoken views on various social and political issues, and her perspective on the Labour Party's historical position on the White Australia policy is just one of many contentious opinions she expressed during her lifetime.

In conclusion, the quote by Colleen McCullough raises important questions about the historical role of political parties in shaping immigration policies and the impact of those policies on society. It invites further exploration and discussion of Australia's complex history of immigration and race relations, as well as the evolving attitudes and actions of political parties in response to these issues.