A guide to accessing and using NSW government publications both in print and online
This guide assists with locating New South Wales government publications online and in the collection of State Library Victoria (SLV).
Parliament Houses, Dec 1870, attributed to Charles Pickering, SPF / 307.
From the collections of the State Library of New South Wales.
The Parliament of New South Wales is Australia's first and oldest legislature.
In 1823 the British Parliament passed an Act 'for the better administration of Justice in New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land, and for the effectual Government thereof; ...', better known as the New South Wales Act.
This allowed for the formation of the Legislative Council in 1824 with 5 government officials appointed. This body was to assist the Governor with the legislative process and to ensure nothing enacted was contrary to English law.
The Governor, however, had the final say. In 1825 Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) separated from New South Wales and in 1850, Port Phillip District (Victoria) became a separate state.
For more on the beginnings of responsible government in New South Wales, see History of democracy in NSW.
