had not been employed under an indentured labour agreement at any time in the preceding month, could be deported immediately by order of a Magistrate in summary proceedings. Section 7 provided all labour agreements made with Pacific Islander labourers no longer remained in force from 31 December 1906. The practical effect of the legislation was that by this date, Pacific Islanders were legally barred from undertaking labour contracts in Australia and ultimately compelled to return to their country of origin. There were various grounds for exemption from deportation, including marriage to an Australian. The case of Robtelmes v Brennan (1906) 4 CLR 395, the first deportation case to come before the High Court of Australia, provides an illustration of the Act's operation. See also White Australia policy Blackbirding References External links Image of the assent copy of the Act, at the National Archives of Australia Labour history of Australia History of immigration to Australia 1901 in Australian law Oceanian Australian Repealed Acts of the Parliament of Australia White Australia policy