Australia: Making a Nation
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Discussion Questions: Factors that contributed to the development of democracy in Australia
Discussion Questions: Differing perspectives and key developments leading to federation in Australia
Discussion Questions: Passing of the War Precautions Act 1914
Discussion Questions: Continuity and change of NSW governance structures
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Classroom activities: Describe significant events and people that led to Australia becoming a federated nation on 1 January 1901, using sources as evidence
Classroom activities: Identify the purpose of Australia's Constitution
Classroom activities: Describe how and why symbols and emblems connected to Australian identity have changed over time since Federation
Classroom activities: Research and describe the work of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Commonwealth of Australia since Federation
Discussion Questions: Passing of the War Precautions Act 1914
Scenario-Based Question
Imagine you are George Dankel MP, a German-born Member of Federal Parliament representing Boothby, South Australia in 1914.
Many of your German friends and members of your electorate migrated to Australia after being encouraged by the government. However, with the outbreak of World War I, suspicion is growing toward anyone with a German name or accent. People fear they may be spies for the German army.
As a result, many are struggling to find work, and some co-workers refuse to work alongside them. Many of these individuals are now Australian citizens, have married, and have children born in Australia.
A new bill proposes to give the government broad powers, including the ability to impose restrictions on these individuals and potentially place them in internment camps.
Would you support giving the government such wide powers, knowing the impact this could have on your friends and electorate? Explain your reasoning.
What safeguards or measures should be included in the Act to ensure decision-makers do not act unfairly or overly restrict people’s rights?
Emergency legislation:
Throughout Australia’s history, there have been many examples of extraordinary or emergency legislation being introduced, such as during World War I and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why is emergency legislation sometimes necessary?
What can emergency legislation allow governments to do that normal legislation cannot?
What checks and balances should be in place to ensure emergency powers are not misused?
Related Resources
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This case note examines the War Precautions Act 1914, highlighting how the legislation granted broad executive powers, regulated public behaviour, and demonstrated the tension between national security and individual freedoms.
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This case note examines the development of workers’ rights in Australia, focusing on trade unions’ advocacy for fair pay and safe conditions, and analysing how the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 affected labour markets and access to workplace protections.
Explore Related Topics
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Federation of Australia
Explore resources on Federation in 1901, outlining how Australia became a nation, divided powers, and established the constitutional structures and institutions that govern today.
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Democracy
Explore resources on democracy, highlighting how accountability and representative institutions ensure power is exercised fairly and transparently through open processes, civic engagement and responsible governance.
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Human Rights
Explore resources on human rights and freedoms, outlining the key protections, legal frameworks, that support rights, and explore how rights and responsibilities are balanced against government power in Australia.