Australia’s history and politics are a unique blend of ancient heritage, British colonial roots, and a modern “Washminster” (Washington + Westminster) political system.
Top general knowledge questions and facts, organized by era and category.
🏛️ Foundational History
Q 1.Who was the first European explorer to map the eastern coast of Australia in 1770? *
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Answer:-Captain James Cook.Q 2. When did the First Fleet arrive at Sydney Cove? *
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Answer:-January 26, 1788 (now celebrated as Australia Day).Q 3. Which British captain led the First Fleet?
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Answer:-Captain Arthur Phillip.Q 4. What was the primary reason for British settlement in Australia?
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Answer:-To establish a penal colony (for convicts).Q 5. What was the original name given to Australia by Dutch explorers?
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Answer:-New Holland.Q 6. Which state was the first to be settled by Europeans?
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Answer:-New South Wales.Q 7. In which year did the transportation of convicts to Australia officially end?
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Answer:-1868 (to Western Australia).Q 8. What was the “Eureka Stockade” of 1854?
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Answer:-A rebellion of gold miners in Ballarat against colonial authority and mining licenses.Q 9. Who is Australia’s most famous “bushranger” (outlaw)?
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Answer:-Ned Kelly.Q 10. When did the six colonies federate to become the Commonwealth of Australia?
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Answer:-January 1, 1901.🗳️ Political System & Government
Q 11. Who was Australia’s first Prime Minister?
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Answer:-Sir Edmund Barton.Q 12. What is the official title of the Head of State in Australia?
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Answer:-The Monarch (currently King Charles III).Q 13. Who represents the King in Australia at the federal level?
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Answer:- The Governor-General.Q 14. What are the two houses of the Australian Federal Parliament?
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Answer:-The House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).Q 15. How many senators does each state elect?
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Answer:-12 (Territories elect 2 each).Q 16. What is the maximum term for the House of Representatives?
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Answer:- 3 years.Q 17. Which city is the seat of the Australian Federal Government?
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Answer:-Canberra.Q 18. In which year was the Australian Constitution enacted?
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Answer:-1901.Q 19. What is “Compulsory Voting”?
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Answer:-A law requiring all eligible citizens to register and vote in federal elections.Q 20. Which landmark 1967 Referendum changed the Constitution?
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Answer:-It allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted in the census and the federal government to make laws for them.📜 Key Political Milestones
Q 21. Who is Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister?
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Answer:- Sir Robert Menzies (over 18 years).Q 22. Who was Australia’s first female Prime Minister?
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Answer:-Julia Gillard (2010–2013).Q 23. Which Prime Minister was famously dismissed by the Governor-General in 1975?
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Answer:-Gough Whitlam.Q 24. Which act officially ended the ability of the UK Parliament to legislate for Australia?
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Answer:-The Australia Act 1986.Q 25. What is the “Mabo Decision” (1992)?
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Answer:-A High Court ruling that overturned “Terra Nullius” and recognized Native Title for Indigenous Australians.Q 26. Which Prime Minister gave the historic “Sorry Speech” to the Stolen Generations in 2008?
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Answer:-Kevin Rudd.Q 27. What is the “Preferential Voting” system used in Australia?
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Answer:-A system where voters rank candidates in order of preference.Q 28. How can the Australian Constitution be changed?
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Answer:-Only through a Referendum (a national vote).Q 29. What is the “Double Dissolution”?
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Answer:-A procedure where both houses of Parliament are dissolved simultaneously to resolve a deadlock.Q 30. Which party does the current Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese) belong to?
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Answer:-The Australian Labor Party (ALP).🌍 International & Military History
Q 31. What does ANZAC stand for?
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Answer:-Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.Q 32. In which WWI battle did the ANZACs suffer heavy losses in 1915?
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Answer:-The Gallipoli Campaign.Q 33. What is ANZAC Day (April 25)?
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Answer:-A national day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars.Q 34.Which treaty forms the basis of Australia’s security alliance with the US?
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Answer:-The ANZUS Treaty (1951).Q 35. During which war was Darwin bombed by Japanese forces?
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Answer:-World War II (1942).Quick Reference: Australian Government Structure
| Branch | Institution | Role |
| Legislative | Parliament | Makes and changes laws. |
| Executive | PM & Cabinet | Puts laws into action. |
| Judicial | High Court | Interprets and applies laws. |
Would you like me to expand on any specific era, such as the Colonial period or the details of the Australian Constitution?
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