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The dutch sailed to Australia .
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Caption James Cook sailed around Australia.
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British ships called the "First Fleet " left England with convicts to establish a prison colony .
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British prisoners settled in Australia.
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New South Wales was officially a penal ( prison) colony consisting mainly of convicts , marines ( guards) .
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It was the destination for the hardest of convicted British and Irish criminals.
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Government officials created boundaries for the colonies that are still in place today.
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Australia act -- All legal ties with the British Empire were served
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separation was an official government policy which lasted for many decades .
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The Commonwealth of Australia was estalished .
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Melbourne served as the national capital until Canberra was completed in 1827
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Federal government beganto pass legislation to help the Aborigines
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55% of voters rejected the idea of becoming an independent republic