Learning Outcomes
- Outline the history of NSW Parliament
- Outline the development of democracy in New South Wales
- Identify events leading to the establishment of democratic principles in Australia’s system of government.
Syllabus Links
For Stage 3:
THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES
How did an Australian colony develop over time and why?
What were the significant events and who were the significant people that shaped Australian colonies?
AUSTRALIA AS A NATION
Key figures and events that led to Australia’s Federation, including British and American influences on Australia’s system of law and government (ACHHK113).
- Sequence key figures and events and explain their significance in the development of Australian democracy
- Outline local, state, and federal government structures and responsibilities.
For Stage 5:
This resource is also suitable as an introduction to Depth study (core) – Australia: making a nation – from federation to WWI.
The History of NSW Parliament
Explore the remarkable transformation of a hospital built on rum into New South Wales’ seat of democracy.
This video captures over two centuries of democratic evolution, exploring the significant people and events that turned a convict hospital into a modern State Parliament and led to the creation of Australia’s democracy.
Key Takeaways
- Rum Hospital to Parliament: The short film details how the Rum Hospital, built through a rum trade agreement by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1811, evolved into the New South Wales Parliament.
- Early Governance and the establishment of the Legislative Council: In 1824, a Legislative Council was established to assist the Governor, marking the first check on the Governor’s autocratic power. By 1829, this council occupied part of the Rum Hospital.
- Steps Toward Representative Government: The 1842 Constitution Act increased the Legislative Council’s membership and introduced elections, progressing toward self-governance and responsible government in New South Wales.
- Parliamentary Developments and Inclusivity: Key milestones include the establishment of a bicameral parliament in 1855, the extension of voting rights to all males over 21 in 1858, women’s suffrage in 1902, and voting rights for Aboriginal people by 1962, culminating in a fully elected Legislative Council by 1981.
