Notes on the constitutional separation of Tasmania from New South Wales (3rd December, 1825)

In the year 1824 public opinion in Tasmania first forcibly expressed itself on a political question. The colony had passed the elementary stage of its growth, and a change in the form of government was necessary for its well-being and future development. No longer was it desirable that it should be ruled by a Governor at Sydney, who was possessed of almost autocratic powers. After preliminary meetings, a petition was drawn up for presentation to H.M. King George IV. The petitioners prayed that the section of the Act 4 Geo. IV., which provided for the erection of the colony of Van Diemen's Land completely separated from New South Wales should become effective. Provision in the Act had also been made for the appointment of nominated executive and legislative councils to assist in the government of the colony. For Tasmania,the old problems of government prior to 1825 mainly disappeared and were forgotten, and the path was cleared for the solution of the new ones which quickly arose. Outstanding among these were the aboriginal question, the freedom of the press, the raising of revenue, and the transportation system