Short History of Australia

Short History of Australia

flag of Australia

The flag of Australia is a defaced Blue Ensign: a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton(upper hoist quarter), and a large white seven-pointed star known as the Commonwealth Star in the lower

hoist quarter. The fly contains a representation of theSouthern Cross constellation,

made up of five white stars – one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars.

Australia’s first people were the Aborigines. They have occupied the continent for at least 40,000 years, and before the Europeans arrived in 1788 their population as probably between 300,000 and 750,000. They occupied a lot of the northern territory.

Short History of Australia

Although Captain James Cook had sailed the length of the east coast in 1770 the British did not settle in Australia until 1788. The first ships arrived and brought 1,000 convicts from England. They called the area where they landed New South Wales.

Short History of Australia

James Cook

Historians still argue today about why the British settled in Australia. Some say that Britain was trying to find new places to send convicts because British wanted to use Australia’s natural resources or that they were attempting to stop other Europeans from claiming Australia.

Short History of Australia

Convicts migratory from Saint Martin De Re to Penal Colony at Cayenne in Guyana

Short History of Australia

PORT ARTHUR

Short History of Australia

Inside the Port Arthur colony prison , Tasmania, Australia.  

Short History of Australia

The use of convict labor on the prisoners' ranch.

Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia in1926 

Australia’s white population grew slowly after 1788. Most of the people were either convicts or former convicts who had finished their sentences.

In the 1830s, more immigrants arrived in Australia from Britain looking for a new life. Sheep farming had already developed and many people found jobs on farms. New colonies appeared called Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. They later became the states of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Short History of Australia

The Commonwealth of Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democracy. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 as a result of an agreement among six-governing British colonies, which became the six states. The Commonwealth also includes two territories - Northern Territory (NT) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

A governor-general represents the British monarch who is the designated head of state.

Short History of Australia

Government

The Queen (Head of State), Governor-general, prime Minister

The Prime Minister is a Member of Parliament

The prime Minister sometimes chooses the cabinet but this depends on the policy of the winning party.

Short History of Australia

Government format

The Queen Elizabeth 2

150 membersSingle seat

constituencies, which reflect the differing population of the state (eg NSW- 50 members, Tasmania – 6)

Elections at least every three years

Short History of Australia

The House of Representatives

76 membersAll states elect 12 regardless of population,

plus 2 ACT and 2 NT.Senators are elected for a six years term

with half seats renewed every three years.

Short History of Australia

Senate

Liberal Party of Australia

(centre-right)

Main policies:Economic

liberalizationBusiness and

middle class orientated

Short History of Australia

Main partiesNational Party of

Australia (conservative)

Main policies:• Anti-union • Free-trade• Pro-mining• Rural and agriculture orientated

Australian Labor Party

(social democrat)

Main policies:Strong national

governmentEqual opportunitiesWorking

class/union orientated

Short History of Australia