Who established the Government? Why was the Government established?

Thanks for your questions about the government. There are a number of meanings for the word ‘government’. In the Australian Parliament the government is the political party, or coalition of parties, with the most members elected to the House of Representatives. The government is responsible for setting policy, proposing new laws and putting new laws into action for Australia.

The Australian Government was established at Federation in 1901.

Before 1901, Australia consisted of 6 British colonies which were partly self-governing but under the law-making power of the British Parliament. In the 1880s and 1890s, it was suggested the colonies might be stronger and more efficient if they worked together. Several conventions were held to draft the Australian Constitution. In 1899, the draft was approved by a vote of the people in referendums. In 1900, it was agreed to by the British Parliament. On 1 January 1901, the Australian colonies united to become a nation. This is known as federation and resulted in the creation of a federal Parliament, with the colonies becoming Australia's 6 states. Through federation, the states transferred some of their law-making power to the Australian Parliament.

A painting of a man wearing a formal hat and uniform standing and speaking to a large crowd inside a large building. The painting shows many people on stage behind the man, and many more people standing in front of the stage watching him.

Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York (Later King George V), May 9, 1901.

Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra, ACT and the Royal Collection Trust.

Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York (Later King George V), May 9, 1901.

A painting of a man wearing a formal hat and uniform standing and speaking to a large crowd inside a large building. The painting shows many people on stage behind the man, and many more people standing in front of the stage watching him.

Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra, ACT and the Royal Collection Trust.

Description

This painting was painted by Australian artist Tom Roberts. It is known as the 'Big Picture', although its official name is 'Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York (Later King George V), May 9, 1901.' 

The ‘Big Picture’ includes 269 portraits of the people who attended the opening of the First Parliament, including the Governor-General, the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton.