Australia’s history as a prison colony began in 1788 when the British established a penal settlement in New South Wales. This was due to overcrowding in British prisons and a need for a solution to criminal transportation. Convicts were sent to Australia to serve their sentences and, upon completion, many settled in the new colony, contributing to its development.
Over the years, Australia transitioned from a penal colony to a free settlement, but its legacy as a refuge for convicts shaped its early society and culture. The notion of being a “prison refugee” highlights the country’s origins and the complex interplay between punishment, redemption, and the founding of modern Australia.
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Australia’s history as a prison colony began in 1788 when the British established a penal settlement in New South Wales. This was due to overcrowding in British prisons and a need for a solution to criminal transportation. Convicts were sent to Australia to serve their sentences and, upon completion, many settled in the new colony, contributing to its development.
Over the years, Australia transitioned from a penal colony to a free settlement, but its legacy as a refuge for convicts shaped its early society and culture. The notion of being a “prison refugee” highlights the country’s origins and the complex interplay between punishment, redemption, and the founding of modern Australia.