New Guinea Act 1920 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Guinea Act 1920 |
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| Parliament of Australia | |
| An Act to make provision for the Acceptance of a Mandate for the Government of certain Territories and Islands in the Pacific Ocean and to make immediate provision for the Civil Government of the said Territories and Islands for other purposes. | |
| Date of Royal Assent | 30 September 1920 |
| Date commenced | 19 May 1921 |
| Related legislation | |
| Papua and New Guinea Act 1949 | |
| Status: Repealed | |
The New Guinea Act 1920 was an important law passed by the Australian Parliament. This law officially moved control of a place called German New Guinea from Germany to Australia. This change happened because of the Treaty of Versailles, which was a peace agreement after World War I.
This Act also made New Guinea a special area called a Mandated Territory under the League of Nations. This meant Australia was in charge of governing it. The Act stayed in place until New Guinea joined with another area called Papua. This merger happened when the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949 was passed.
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What Was the New Guinea Act 1920?
The New Guinea Act 1920 was a law made by the Australian government. Its main job was to officially accept a new responsibility. This responsibility was to govern a group of lands and islands in the Pacific Ocean. These lands were previously controlled by Germany. The Act also set up how these new territories would be run. It created a civil government for them.
Why Was This Act Needed?
After World War I ended in 1918, the winning countries decided what would happen to the lands that Germany used to control. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. This treaty decided that Germany would lose its colonies. One of these was German New Guinea. The League of Nations was a new international group. It decided that Australia should look after New Guinea. This was called a "mandate." So, Australia needed a law to make this official.
What is a League of Nations Mandate?
A League of Nations Mandate was like a special trust. The League of Nations gave certain countries the job of looking after territories. These territories were not yet ready for full independence. The country in charge, like Australia, had to help the people there. They had to prepare them for self-governance. It was not like owning the land. It was more like being a temporary guardian.
How Did Australia Govern New Guinea?
Under the New Guinea Act 1920, Australia set up a government in New Guinea. This government was responsible for daily life. It managed things like laws, safety, and services for the people. Australia aimed to develop the territory. This was part of its duty as the mandatory power.
What Happened After the Act?
The New Guinea Act 1920 was very important for many years. It guided how Australia managed New Guinea. However, things changed after World War II. In 1949, a new law was passed. This was the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949. This new Act combined the Territory of New Guinea with the Territory of Papua. They became one single territory. This new combined territory was called Papua and New Guinea. Because of this, the New Guinea Act 1920 was no longer needed. It was officially "repealed," meaning it was cancelled.
