Australian Independence as a Nation Colonised by Britan Essay Example

In 1901 six British colonies joined to become one nation, Australia. Although 1901 was when Australia became its own country, it is unsure and a debateable decision as to when Australia became independent, both legally and politically from its founder, the British. Some say Australia achieved its true independence on the 1st January 1901 with the formation and introduction of the Australian Constitution. Others say Australia’s independence was not attained until the adoption of the Westminster Act in 1942. While it can be argued that Australia is still under the influence of Britain and until we become a republic we cannot be truly independent. This essay will discuss all of the above arguments and the steps the former British colonies took towards federation in 1901 and the steps Australia has taken since then, also what ties Australia to Britain in this day and age. When America declared independence in 1776 this caused many problems for England and the rest of Great Britain. One particular problem was that they had nowhere to send their convicts and as England was a growing country this created a problem which needed to be rectified. It was suggested that a country, now known as Australia, which Captain Cook had discovered in 1770 would be perfect for this use. In 1788 the first fleet arrived and Captain Arthur Phillip declared himself the Governor. In the next 100 years there were a series of statutes which began to create the political and legal system of this new land. The New South Wales Act, the Australian Courts Act, the Australian Constitutions Act, the Australian Constitutions Act (no 2) and the Colonial Laws Validity Act all played major parts in the establishment of Australia. At this time the parliament and the courts of this new nation had the power to create laws and govern themselves, only if it did not conflict with any law or fundamental principle of the English. So in effect Australia could only reinforce laws and ways of government already in