Australian Colonies Government Act 1850

The Australian Colonies Government Act 1850 was a British law that aimed to reform the governance of several Australian colonies, including New South Wales and Victoria. It allowed these colonies to establish self-government and create their own legislative bodies, giving colonists more control over local affairs. The Act distinguished between different colonies, providing a framework for responsible government, where elected representatives made decisions rather than relying solely on appointed officials. This marked a significant step toward greater autonomy for Australians and laid the groundwork for the eventual development of a federated Australia.