Understanding Victoria: A Government House Discussion Series

These first three discussions are focused on the nature and shape of our democracy:

• The first discussion was concerned with the impact of the gold rush 1850s - 60s on the formation of the new Colony of Victoria. More information on this discussion, entitled “Disturbing the order of things”, can be accessed below. 

• The second discussion will focus on Federation, the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia, from the late 1890s to 1914 and the role of Victoria in this significant moment. More information on this discussion, entitled “Faith in the people?”, can be accessed below. 

• The third discussion will cover the period in the 1960s and 1970s when a range of political protest movements, and the surge of migration, challenged and changed the State of Victoria.