The extent of colonial control by 1829

Question 1

Following Bigge’s report, an act what passed. What year was it passed, what was it called and what did it do?

Answer 1

1823, the New South Wales Act was passed in Britain.

• It restricted the powers of the governor, paving the way to self-government.
• A legislative council was created, although members weren’t elected.
• The justice system was to operate independently from the governor, a supreme court was established with a chief justice.
• Van Diemans Land was to operate as a separate colony (although, in practice, it already did) with its own justice system, and a legislative council and supreme court was to be established there too.

Question 2

1828 changes (to structure of govt)

Answer 2

Legislative councils enlarged from 7 —> 15

- 7 were nominated by the governor and the rest were govt officials

Question 3

Where else could you find a similar political structure?

Answer 3

Canada + the Caribbean

Question 4

Land grants were made to..?

Answer 4

1) The Australian Agricultural Company in 1824 (Newcastle)
2) Van Dieman’s Land Company in 1825
3) The Swan River Company in 1829 (Western Australia)

Question 5

What did this show about the pattern of imperial settlement in Australia?

Answer 5

That it had changed to a far more typical form of imperialism in which private settlers and companies bore the risk.