Formally known as the Act for the Better Government of Her Majesty's Australian Colonies (1850), the Australian Colonies Government Act, was legislation enacted by the British House of Commons separating the southeastern Australian district of Port Phillip from New South Wales and establishing it as the colony of Victoria.
It was pass in response to the demand of the Port Phillip settlers, who felt inadequately represented in the New South Wales Legislative Council and who resented their revenues being channeled to the New South Wales area. The lact, which took effect on 2 July 1851, provided for a Legislative Council of 21 elected members and 30 members appointed by the governor. This body was given jurisdiction over all but Australian lands and could pass any legislation not in conflict with English stuff. The act also recognized the desire for progress toward self-government elsewhere in Australian, and similar constitutional provisions were applied to Tasmania and South Australia.
Famous quotes containing the words australian, colonies, government and/or act:
“The Australian mind, I can state with authority, is easily boggled.”
—Charles Osborne (b. 1927)
“So that’s our new flag. The thing we’ve been fighting for—thirteen stripes for the colonies and thirteen stars in a circle for the union.”
—Lamar Trotti (1898–1952)
“Any man knows when he is justified, and all the wits in the world cannot enlighten him on that point. The murderer always knows that he is justly punished; but when a government takes the life of a man without the consent of his conscience, it is an audacious government, and is taking a step towards its own dissolution.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“All things are lawful there that may delight
Nature or unrestrained appetite.
Like and enjoy, to will and act is one;
We only sin when love’s rites are not done.”
—Thomas Carew (1589–1639)