Australia’s major electoral developments Timeline: 1788 - 1899
1788 - 1899 | 1900 - To Present
| Year |
Australia’s major electoral developments |
| 1788 |
- Prior to European settlement Australia was occupied by groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people led by elders and subject to traditional laws. These groups governed themselves through a corporate decision making process. European settlement occurred in 1788. Australia became a penal colony run by a governor (Autocratic Government).
|
| 1835 |
- The Australian Patriotic Association, Australia’s first political ‘party’, was established under W. C. Wentworth. It demanded democratic government for New South Wales.
|
| 1840 |
- Adelaide and Sydney City Councils were established. Men required 1000 pounds worth of property before they could stand for election and wealthy landowners were allowed up to 4 votes each.
|
| 1843 |
- First parliamentary elections in Australia - for New South Wales Legislative Council. Only men with a freehold valued at 200 pounds or a householder paying rent of 20 pounds per year could vote.
|
| 1850 |
- Men with 100 pounds free-hold, 10 pounds annual value householders, 3 year lease of 10 pounds annual value, or depasturing licence were allowed to vote.
- Elections for legislative councils held in VIC, SA and TAS.
|
| 1855 |
- Limited self government granted to NSW, VIC, SA and TAS.
|
| 1856 |
- The secret ballot was introduced in Victoria and South Australia. Australia was the first country to use the secret ballot, known as the ‘Australian ballot’.
- The right to vote in South Australia was granted to all male British subjects over the age of 21.
|
| 1857 |
- The right to vote in Victoria was granted to all male British subjects over the age of 21.
|
| 1858 |
- The secret ballot was introduced in New South Wales and Tasmania.
- The right to vote in New South Wales was granted to all male British subjects over the age of 21.
|
| 1859 |
- The secret ballot was introduced in Queensland.
- Queensland received self government.
|
| 1872 |
- The right to vote in Queensland was granted to all male British subjects over the age of 21.
|
| 1890 |
- Western Australia received self government.
|
| 1893 |
- The secret ballot was introduced in Western Australia.
- The right to vote in Western Australia was granted to all male British subjects over the age of 21.
|
| 1895 |
- Women over 21 were given the right to vote in South Australia.
|
| 1896 |
- The right to vote in Tasmania was granted to all male British subjects over the age of 21.
|
| 1899 |
- Women over 21 were given the right to vote in Western Australia.
|
This page last updated Thursday, August 09, 2007
