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Fist Europeans sail to Australia
Dutch came to Australia and were attacked by aborigines then left -
British explore Australia
Captain James Cook sailed around Australia he named the area New South Wales -
England establishes Australia as a prison colony
British ships called the "First Fleet" bring convicts to Australia -
Coastal settlements became independent colonies
Government officials created boundaries for the colonies that are still in place today. -
Commonwealth of Australia was established
The British established Australia as a commonwealth because it was a good location for its navy and trade. -
Immigration restriction act
Restricted migration to people primarily of European descent -
Legislation was passed to help Aborigines
Farmers demanded equal wages -
Australia act
All legal ties with the British Empire were severed -
Voters reject independence
Australia is a parliamentary democracy citizens voted to not become an independent republic -
Australia today
Australia has a global, non-discreminatory policy and is home to more than two hundred countries