Political development

Question 1

Who was Commissioner of Inquiry between 1819-21, and what did he conclude regarding Macquarie’s approach?

Answer 1

John Thomas Bigge concluded that Macquarie had been too generous in his treatment of Emancipists and had taken the colony in the wrong direction.

Question 2

What were Bigge’s 3 recommendations?

Answer 2

1. convict labour should be assigned to sheep farms rather than in public works programmes
2. Macquarie’s early pardons and land grants for Emancipists should cease
3. positions of responsibility should not be given to emancipists