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Free Event: House Talks - Independence and Empire

Free Event: House Talks - Independence and Empire

About This Event

House Talks is a series of virtual and live events featuring experts and special guests. Highlighting a range of historical and cultural topics, talks relate to the functions of the NSW Parliament and Legislature.

The first in this series for 2021, hear Professor Anne Twomey discuss the early history of the Parliament, legislative process and our relationship with Britain and the crown.

Did you know that the Australian Constitution is found in a British Act of Parliament? Until 1986, laws were invalidated if they were found ‘repugnant’ to certain British Laws, even though the NSW Legislative Assembly had been fully elected from 1856. Britain continued to exercise a significant influence and power over the lawmaking process through much of the 19th and 20th century.

What To Expect

Find out under what circumstances Britain could intervene in the NSW legislative process, and how this affected the lives of the people of NSW.

  • Hear from Professor Anne Twomey, Professor of Constitutional Law & Director, Constitutional Reform Unit, The University of Sydney Law School, about the relationship between Imperial and Colonial law on Australia’s path to independence.
  • View the exhibition, The Queen’s Album, in association with NSW State Archives & Records and Sydney Living Museums. The Queen’s Album explores the unique story behind an album of photographs given to Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in 1882 on behalf of the people of NSW (in person only)

When: 5:30pm – 6.30pm on Wednesday May 19

A guided tour of the exhibition by curator Dr Penny Stannard will be taking place from 5pm.

Where: Participate either in person (spots limited) or register to watch online.


Register Now