There are approximately 123,000 Australians who are of full or partial Spanish descent, most of whom reside within the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne, with lesser but rapidly growing numbers in Brisbane (which has over 15,000) and Perth.

Immigration Acts passed in the 1920s restricted the entry of Spaniards and other southern Europeans.

The agreement provided assisted passages to Spanish migrants, many escaping poverty and hunger.

During the following decades economic improvements in Spain coincided with a slowing of Spanish immigration to Australia.

Living predominantly in the Geelong area, the majority are employed as professionals and tradespeople.