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settlement
on 26 January 1788, the first fleet landed at port Jackson and a month later on 7 February, Australia's first European colony was established. in 1842, a small group of male residents were enfranchised but they were only allowed to elect a percentage of the colony's legislative council. -
Eureka stockade
During the 1859s, all around the world people flocked to Australian goldfields. in order to earn money, they needed to purchase a license. in 1854, a miners' protest about the license fee and their political rights resulted in a rebellion in which both soldiers and miners died. during the rebellion the miners' demands were met, including their right to vote. -
male suffrage
in 1856, south Australians extended the vote to male residents aged 21 and above. two years later, Victoria followed south Australia, with the remaining colonies following -
the secret ballot
until the 18502, people voted publicly, which left them vulnerable to intimidation. To rectify this situation, an independent electoral body was established during the 1850s. this was to make sure elections were run Faily, and to this ended the 'Australian ballot.' -
women's suffrage
during the 1880s, the women's suffragette movement gained momentum. this movement was based on the belief that democracy, in its truest form, could not be achieved until women had the same electoral rights as men. in 1894, the south Australian parliament agreed, and the remaining colonies gradually came to the same view.