Papua Act 1905 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Papua Act 1905 |
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| Parliament of Australia | |
| A law to accept British New Guinea as an Australian Territory, and to govern it. | |
| Date of Royal Assent | 16 November 1905 |
| Date commenced | 1 September 1906 |
| Date repealed | 1 July 1949 |
| Introduced by | Deakin Government |
| Status: Repealed | |
The Papua Act 1905 was an important law passed by the Parliament of Australia. It officially moved the land called Papua from being controlled by Britain to being part of Australia. This law made Papua an 'external territory' of Australia. It stayed in place until 1949, when Papua joined with New Guinea to form a new territory.
What Was the Papua Act?
The Papua Act 1905 was a special law, also known as an Act. Its main goal was to accept British New Guinea as a territory under Australia's control. It also set up how this new territory would be governed.
This law officially began on 1 September 1906. It meant that Australia was now responsible for Papua. The Act helped to set up the rules and government for the area.
Why Was This Law Important?
Before this Act, Papua was known as British New Guinea and was managed by Britain. The Papua Act 1905 changed this, making Australia its new caretaker. This was a big step in Australia's history as a young nation.
The law made sure that Papua was formally accepted as an Australian territory. This meant Australia would now look after its people and resources. It was a key moment in the relationship between Australia and Papua.
What Happened Next?
The Papua Act 1905 was in effect for many years. It was updated a few times between 1920 and 1940. However, it was eventually replaced by a new law.
On 1 July 1949, the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949 took its place. This new law combined Papua with another nearby territory, New Guinea. They became one larger territory under Australian rule.
