When did the Australian colonies achieve self-government?
New South Wales in 1855 was the first colony to be granted self-government by the British. Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia followed in 1856; Queensland, in 1859; and Western Australia, in 1890. After years of being preoccupied each with its own affairs, the colonies came to realize the need for cooperation. Several intercolonial conferences were held, the first in 1863, but the first federal convention did not meet until 1891. During the 1890’s, a constitution was drafted and approved by the colonies.
