Section 3: Initial contact and colonisation of Australia / Early government attitudes

Section 3: Initial contact and colonisation of Australia

Early government attitudes

Early colonial governments attempted to assimilate Aboriginal peoples into British culture. Attempts at assimilation were quickly abandoned, with colonial policies switching to segregation. By 1816 British settlers were given permission by the government to use firearms to drive Aboriginal peoples away from settlements.

More information on these policies is available in the next section of this cultural journey.