Imported farm workers, page-8

The first objection to foreign farm workers happened during the Convict era
when reformed convicts in NSW objected to further shipments of Convicts
from the Irish Potatoe Famine (1845-1850) because they would have
a downward pressure on farm labourer pay rates.

Shiploads of convicts had to be diverted to Qld which started the Convict settlements there.

Keep in mind that this was just before the Victoria Gold Rush which
sucked in 10s of thousands of "diggers" from all over the world.

Our rapid population growth then rivalled California and the combination
of Wool & Gold made Aus the richest country in the world GDP per Capita
and the highest labourers pay per hour in the world with the subsequent
Eurika Stockade leading to the 8 hour working day.