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first fleet landed
The first fleet landed on Australia -
colony established
Australia's first European colony was established -
the secret ballot
people voted publicly but was changed so the votes were fairer. -
suffragettes
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. -
The federation of Australia and
During the late 19th century, in response to various domestic and international political and economic circumstances, a movement to federate the Australian colonies developed around the country. In 1898, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania passed a referendum to federate under an Australian Constitution. -
The Australian Electoral Commission
In 1902, the Department of Home Affairs was responsible for Australia's federal electoral system. In 1973, this branch became the Australian Electoral Office, on 21 February 1984, following major amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the (AEC) was established as an independent statutory authority.
The AEC is responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll. -
voting becoming compulsory
In 1924, to improve the low rates of voter turnout, amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 were made. Compulsory voting was introduced, and this resulted in a dramatic increase in voter turnout at the following election. -
Aboriginal and Torres strait islander rights for voting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples campaigned for many years to achieve full voting rights in state and federal elections. These rights were granted federally in 1962, and in 1965 Queensland allowed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to vote in State elections. Queensland was the last State to grant this right. -
voting age
During the 1960s and 1970s, a worldwide trend emerged in Western parliamentary democracies supporting lowering of the eligibility age to enrol and vote. Young people paying taxes, driving cars, and serving their country during times of conflict, believed they were entitled to have a say in the composition of their government.