This law authorised the establishment of a Legislative Council and Supreme Court in NSW in 'Van Diemen's Land'. The new law also provided that by an Order-in-Council, Van Diemen's Land could become a separate Colony.

New South Wales Act 1823 (UK)

Although Aboriginal people were not expressly denied the right to vote in NSW elections, a number of laws, policies and government practices meant that very few Aboriginal people voted until 1962 when the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1962 (Cth) was passed (DOC4568).

Aboriginal peoples' right to vote in NSW

Trial by jury is an essential part of the criminal justice system. The jury system is particularly important to Aboriginal people, given their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. Historically, Aboriginal people were generally excluded from NSW juries. They continue to be underrepresented today. Calls for Aboriginal representation on juries...

Participating on a jury 

Until 1876, a person had to take a religious oath to give evidence in a NSW court. Aboriginal people were not considered able to take a religious oath and therefore could not give evidence. This had serious implications for criminal cases and upholding justice, particularly where Aboriginal people were killed,...

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New South Wales Act 1823 (UK)

Aboriginal peoples' right to vote in NSW

Participating on a jury

Giving evidence in court