Australia. Guide to Australia

In the political life of Australia during the period from 1901 along 1914 There were special groups, speakers in defence of free trade, and protectionist groups, While the Labour Party held the balance of power and eventually encouraged the introduction of tariffs.

Other important events of the period under review was the provision of pensions to the elderly and the adoption of the system of conciliation and arbitration in industrial disputes.

During his stay in power in 1910-1913 the Labour Cabinet e. Fisher, important reforms have been undertaken: a Federal Bank and adopted land law, directed against large landed property. These reforms have contributed to a more equitable distribution of property in the country.

В 1907 локальные социалистические группировки объединились в Социалистическую федерацию Австралии (hereinafter referred to as the Australian Socialist Party). В 1908 sindikalistskoj Office arose the Organization industrial workers of the world (The IWW).

In 1908 construction began on the capital Alliance, Canberra. The Government moved there from Melbourne to 1927.

The social structure of Australia differed high concentration of private capital, including land ownership in the hands of owners of extensive pastures "squatters", granted large tracts in the first half of the nineteenth century. While the village grew the farm population. In Australia was high for an agrarian society, the proportion of the working class, employed mainly in small enterprises.

The trade union movement was legalized on the United Kingdom model. In 1901-1904 State arbitrage was introduced, to resolve labour conflicts, not before strikes.

In 1914 Australia's population amounted to 4,8 millions of people. The vast majority were natives of Great Britain. About 100 thousands of aborigines were. The population of Asian origin was small . Among the white population is dominated by Christian denominations: Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.

It is also strengthening the central authority at the expense of State Governments, mainly because, that economic problems increasingly take national character. Customs and immigration policy is regulated by the Federal Government. The High Court of Australia has provided a significant, but not widespread support for federal authorities.

Customs law brought great tools federal Treasury; in 1909 the Federal Government has assumed all the debts of the States and State Governments compensated for loss of customs and Excise rights.