This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Jimp (talk | contribs) at 00:44, 9 January 2009 (delinking repeated links & dates also day-month-year consistant with Aust Eng WP:MOS WP:CONTEXT WP:ENGVAR). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 00:44, 9 January 2009 by Jimp (talk | contribs) (delinking repeated links & dates also day-month-year consistant with Aust Eng WP:MOS WP:CONTEXT WP:ENGVAR)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)This is a list of the evolution of the borders of the colonies and later states of Australia. It lists each change to the internal and external borders of Australia before and after Federation.
Pre-Federation
- 26 January 1788
The colony of New South Wales is founded. New South Wales, according to Arthur Phillip's amended Commission dated 25 April 1787, includes "all the islands adjacent in the Pacific Ocean" and running westward to the 135th meridian.
- 16 July 1825
New South Wales' western border is extended to 129° E.
- 3 December 1825
The colony of Van Diemen's Land is proclaimed
- 2 May 1829
Swan River Colony is declared by Charles Fremantle for Britain.
- 6 February 1832
Swan River Colony has its name changed to Western Australia.
- 28 December 1836
The colony of South Australia is proclaimed with its western border set at 132° E.
- 21 May 1840
New Zealand is formally annexed to New South Wales.
- 16 November 1840
The colony of New Zealand is proclaimed by Letters Patent. Although not represented on a map here, New South Wales was significantly reduced in size by this proclamation. Separation was effected on 3 May 1841
- 17 February 1846
The colony of North Australia was proclaimed by Letters Patent on 17 February. This was all of New South Wales north of 26° S.
- 15 April 1847
The colony of North Australia was revoked and reincorporated into New South Wales
- 1 July 1851
The colony of Victoria is proclaimed.
- 1 January 1856
Van Diemen's Land name is changed to Tasmania.
- 6 June 1859
The colony of Queensland is proclaimed by Letters Patent, with its western border set at 141° E, and settlement began on 10 December that year.
- 1860
South Australia border changed from 132° E to 129° E.
- 1862
Queensland's western border is moved to 139° E.
- 6 July 1863
That part of New South Wales to the north of South Australia was annexed to South Australia as the Northern Territory by Letters Patent.
Post-Federation
- 1 January 1901
The Commonwealth of Australia was formed, uniting the British colonies of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Note that the Northern Territory was under South Australian administration at Federation.
- 1 January 1911
The Federal Capital Territory was created within New South Wales, and the Northern Territory was split off from South Australia.
- 12 July 1915
The coastal area now known as the Jervis Bay Territory is added to the Federal Capital Territory.
- 1 March 1927
The Northern Territory was split into the territories of North Australia and Central Australia.
- 12 June 1931
North Australia and Central Australia were reunited as the Northern Territory.
- 29 July 1938
The Federal Capital Territory's name is changed to the Australian Capital Territory.
- 11 May 1989
The Jervis Bay Territory becomes Australia's third mainland territory when the Australian Capital Territory is granted self government.
External Territories
1 July 1914 – Norfolk Island is transferred from New South Wales to the Commonwealth of Australia
23 July 1931 - Ashmore Island and the Cartier Islands are transferred from Britain to Australia
13 June 1933 – The Australian Antarctic Territory is transferred from Britain
26 June 1947 – Heard Island and the McDonald Islands are transferred from Brtiain
23 November 1955 - The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are transferred from Singapore to Australia
1 October 1958 - Christmas Island is transferred from Britain
30 September 1969 - The Coral Sea Islands Territory is transferred from Queensland to the Commonwealth of Australia
Former External Territories
- Territory of Papua (1906-42)
- Territory of New Guinea (1920-42)
- Territory of Nauru (1920-68)
- Territory of Papua and New Guinea (1942-71)
- Territory of Papua New Guinea (1971-75)
See also
References
- Acting under instructions from England, Captain Fremantle took possession of the Swan River, to found a new colony; and formally laid claim to "all that part of New Holland which is not included within the territory of New South Wales".
External links
- States of Australia - Statoids.com