Journey towards independence
At the time of Federation over three-quarters of the population were Australian-born. Over time people began to identify as Australian rather than British and this led to greater independence for our system of government and legal framework. The documents below changed Australia’s relationship with Britain and strengthened our sense of national identity.
Letters Patent constituting the office of Governor-General 29 October 1900 (UK)
Queen Victoria appointed Lord Hopetoun as Australia's first Governor-General on 14 July 1900 and signed this document, legally establishing the office, on 29 October 1900.
Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942
Most political and legal ties between Britain and Australia were cut when Australia adopted this Act of the British Parliament which set out as law the independence of the governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Eire and Newfoundland.
Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948
There is no mention of Australian citizens in the Constitution. This Act created Australian citizenship and while people were still viewed as British subjects they were also recognised as citizens of their own country for the first time.
Australia Act 1986 (Cth)
The Commonwealth’s Australia Act made Australian law independent of British parliaments and courts by removing the option for legal appeals to be sent to the Privy Council in London.