Irene was born in Australia. So why did she need this certificate to return home?

Irene Law, known as Lucy Maud Lem Cue at birth, was born in Australia in 1900. Her biological mother was of British descent, while her father, Lem Cue, was of Chinese ancestry. Despite her Australian birthright, Irene faced challenges returning to her homeland due to the White Australia policy and the dictation test. This policy, which aimed to restrict non-European immigration, required immigrants to pass a test in a European language or be denied entry.

Irene obtained a Certificate Exemption from Dictation Test (CEDT) in 1921, allowing her to return to Australia and later marry and raise her children. Historian Michael Williams notes that despite being legally considered Australian, non-European immigrants like Irene often faced social and practical barriers that prevented them from fully embracing their Australian identity.