2. 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.
flag of Australia
3. 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.
4. 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.
James Cook
5. Convicts migratory from Saint Martin De Re to Penal Colony at Cayenne in Guyana
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.
8. The use of convict labor on the prisoners' ranch.
Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia in
9. 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.
10.
11. 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.
12. 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.
The Queen Elizabeth 2
13. 150 members
Single seat
constituencies, which
reflect the differing
population of the state
(eg NSW- 50
members, Tasmania – 6)
Elections at least every
three years
14. 76 members
All 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.
15. Liberal Party of Australia
(centre-right)
Main policies:
Economic liberalization
Business and middle class
orientated
National Party of Australia
(conservative)
Main policies:
• Anti-union
• Free-trade
• Pro-mining
• Rural and agriculture orientated
16. Australian Labor Party
(social democrat)
Main policies:
Strong national
government
Equal opportunities
Working class/union
orientated
