Governing Australia Before Federation: Six Separate Colonies
Before January 1, 1901, Australia wasn't a nation – it was six self-governing British colonies on one continent, each with its own government, laws, and identity.
Colonial Government Structure (Each Colony)
The Crown's Representative
- Governor: Appointed by the British monarch on UK government advice
- Represented imperial authority; commanded defense; reserved assent on certain bills
- Advised by an Executive Council (senior officials + leading politicians)
Elected Legislature
- Legislative Assembly (Lower House): Elected by male property owners (later expanded)
- Legislative Council (Upper House): Initially appointed; later elective (property franchise)
- Passed colonial laws; controlled finances; responsible government from 1850s
Judicial System
- Based on English common law
- Each colony had its own Supreme Court
- Final appeals to Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London
Powers: Colonial vs. Imperial
| Colonial Control | British Control |
|---|
| Land, mining, agriculture | Foreign affairs & diplomacy |
| Police, prisons, courts | Defense & naval matters |
| Education, health, welfare | Trade & tariffs (imperial) |
| Local infrastructure (roads, rail) | Constitutional changes |
| Immigration (mostly) | Imperial legislation override |
Path to Federation
- 1890s: Conventions draft constitution
- 1898–1900: Referendums approve (majority in each colony)
- Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (UK Parliament)
- January 1, 1901: Proclamation in Centennial Park, Sydney
The colonies became states in a federal union – keeping their constitutions, parliaments, and laws while ceding defense, trade, immigration, and foreign affairs to the new Commonwealth.
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