short history of australia
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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