Immigrants and Spies is the story of Noel W. Lamidey, who in 1946 was sent to London by the Chifley Government to establish Australia's Migration Scheme. It describes the trials and tribulations he had in establishing such a gigantic organisation for Australia in another country. In 1950, Lamidey spoke on behalf of the Australian Government at the International Refugee Organisation (IRO) Conference held at the Palace de Nations, Geneva, to say that Australia would take two million migrants. Whilst in London he worked closely with MI5 and MI6 to ensure that migrants from Axis countries, who had carried out heinous crimes against humanity, did not have a chance of getting to Australia. Written by his daughter Barbara, Immigrants and Spies is the absorbing inside story of Australia's extraordinary Migration Scheme.

Author Biography

Barbara Mackay-Cruise has spent her life organising largescale events for Australian charities. When her husband became Mayor of Mosman, Barbara established the Mosman Charity Fund, creating an After School Care Centre for children of single-parent families. As President of the Rum Runners Committee for Sydney Hospital, she held events to fund cancer research. When in 1982 Sydney Hospital closed its doors to cancer research, Barbara persuaded Sir Peter Abeles to chair a new Cancer Research Foundation and in 1984 St Vincent's Hospital became the first project. In 1986 Barbara directed the Around Australia Relay Marathon by the Australian Army to aid the Cancer Research Foundation. The Foundation is now one of the largest charities in the Commonwealth, having spent over $100 million building cancer research centres in every state and territory. After a spell to spend more time with her two sons, Barbara became National Director of the Brain Foundation, organising largescale events and promoting 'Stroke Week'. For many years she masterminded Christmas concerts on Sydney Harbour to aid the Salvation Army. Barbara was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 for her work in the charity field. She lives in Sydney.