Today, the debate on migration in Germany focuses on immigration. But a few decades ago, after World War II, a large number of Germans was leaving. USA and Canada were the favoured destinations, but Australia was also popular. In contrast to the former two countries, Australia and Germany in 1952 signed a bilateral treaty on the regulation of German migration to Australia. Consequently, an individual disposition for migration could only be materialised if the two governments permitted it. Australia wanted to industrialise and expand its population, whilst Germany saw migration as a contribution to the solution of the problems with German refugees. Nevertheless, there continued to be strong disagreement: The German government had an interest in the migration of older refugees with limited qualifications, whilst the Australian side wanted young, male and skilled migrants.