History
What does the term terra nullius mean in the context of Australian colonisation?
“Terra nullius” is a Latin term meaning “land belonging to no one.” The British used this idea to justify taking Aboriginal land, claiming it was unowned because they did not recognise Aboriginal peoples’ laws, ownership, or connection to the land. This allowed them to establish colonies without treaty or agreement.
What was a key reason for free settlers moving to Australia in the 19th century?
A) To escape overcrowded prisons in Britain
B) To find new land for farming and work opportunities
C) To serve as convicts in the penal colony
D) To avoid paying taxes in Britain
B) To find new land for farming and work opportunities
Why did the British settle in Australia?
Options:
A) To build schools
B) To start a penal colony and expand their empire
C) To go on holiday
D) To trade with China
B) To start a penal colony and expand their empire
In 2025, Jolyana was caught taking a pair of shoes from a mall store without paying. The police charged her with shoplifting. Identify what type of case in this.
Criminal
Case Study: Neighbour Dispute
In 2025, Dineli built a fence that extended onto her neighbour Tiah’s property. Tiah decided to take Dineli to court to resolve the dispute and seek compensation for the land and any damage caused. What type of case is this?
Civil
What was the name of the group that arrived in Australia in 1788?
First Fleet
What was the main economic activity that allowed the early settlers to survive?
The most important economic activity for the survival of the early colony was farming and growing food. Settlers needed to produce crops and raise livestock to feed themselves and ensure the colony could survive
In 2025, Ahmed saw an online ad for a new gaming console at a very low price. He paid $500 online, but the console never arrived. The website disappeared, and Ahmed realised he had been scammed. What type of scam did Liam fall victim to?
Online shopping scam / internet fraud
In 2025, Lucas was caught taking a pair of shoes from a mall store without paying. The police charged him with shoplifting. How does this case show that everyone is equal before the law?
Lucas faces the same legal process as anyone else accused of shoplifting
Case Study: Vandalism at the Park
In 2025, Victor was caught spray-painting graffiti on a public park wall. The police charged Victor with criminal damage. Which court would hear this case?
The case goes to a magistrate because:
Level of seriousness: The offence is minor and doesn’t require a higher court.
What was the main reason behind Britain establishing a settlement in Australia in 1788?
Overcrowded prisons in Britain
How did British settlement change the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Australia?
They experienced displacement, violence, lost their land, many died from new diseases, and conflicts increased. Traditional cultures and ways of life were disrupted, causing long-lasting social and cultural damage.
What are responsibilities of an employer? Name 2
Providing a safe workplace: Ensuring the work environment does not put employees at risk.
Paying wages: Paying employees correctly and on time according to agreements or laws.
Following laws and regulations: Obeying workplace laws, including anti-discrimination and employment laws.
Training and supervision: Giving employees the instruction and guidance needed to do their job safely and effectively.
Protecting employee rights: Respecting leave entitlements, working hours, and other legal rights.
In 2025, Delylah was convicted in the District Court for burglary and sentenced to two years in prison. Delylah believes the sentence is too harsh and that there were errors in the trial, so she decide to challenge the decision in a higher court. Which court can Delylah appeal to?
Answer: Court of Appeal (a higher court that reviews decisions of lower courts).
In 2025, graffiti was found on the walls of Mount Ridley College. After an investigation, the police arrested Sami for spray-painting the walls. The State decided to press charges. The case is now being heard in the Local Court. Name the parties involved in this case.
Prosecution and accused
Where did the British establish their first settlement in 1788?
Sydney Cove (in Port Jackson).
Which British navigator first explored and mapped Australia’s east coast?
Captain James Cook
What forms of resistance did Aboriginal communities use against European settlement?
Aboriginal peoples resisted British colonisation through battles, guerrilla tactics, and maintaining their culture. They defended their land by attacking settlers and property, using hit-and-run strategies, and preserving sacred sites, languages, and traditions. Despite being outnumbered and facing violence, their resistance aimed to protect their land, people, and way of life.
An employee's responsibilities would include.......
Name 2
An employee’s responsibilities include:
Following instructions: Doing the work as directed by the employer.
Working safely: Following health and safety rules to protect themselves and others.
Being honest and trustworthy: Using company resources responsibly and not stealing or lying.
Being punctual and reliable: Arriving on time and completing tasks as required.
Respecting others: Treating colleagues and customers fairly and respectfully.
In 2025, Milad ran a red light and crashed into Destiny’s car, causing damage and minor injuries. The police charged Milad with dangerous driving, a criminal offence. At the same time, Destiny decided to sue Milad for compensation to repair the car and cover medical expenses. What type of case is this? Justify why.
Civil and Crime.
This case is both civil and criminal because it involves two separate legal issues:
Criminal aspect: Milad broke the law by driving dangerously, which is considered an offence against the State. The police (prosecution) charge Milad, and the court can impose penalties like fines, license suspension, or other criminal punishments.
Civil aspect: Milad’s actions also caused harm and damage to Destiny (car damage and injuries). Destiny can take Milad to court to seek compensation for losses. This is a dispute between individuals, not the State.
What name was Tasmania first known by?
Van Diemen’s Land.
How did bringing sheep and starting the wool industry impact Australia?
The introduction of sheep and the wool industry led to the growth of Australia’s economy and the development of large-scale sheep farming, which became a major industry and export for the colony.
How can falling victim to a scam create financial risks for individuals (name 1 risk), and what steps can be taken to minimise these risks? (Name 1 step)
Falling for a scam can lead to losing money, having bank accounts compromised, or identity theft. To minimise risk, individuals should verify sources, avoid sharing personal information, use secure payment methods, and report suspicious activity.
Case Study: Starting a Small Business
In 2025, Ameen decides to open a small café. He invests $50,000 of his savings to buy equipment, rent a space, and stock ingredients. He expects to earn profits from sales but knows there is a risk that the café might not attract enough customers.
Identify two financial rewards and two financial risks Ameen could experience from her investment.
Rewards: Profit from café sales, growth in the value of his business.
Risks: Losing part or all of his $50,000 investment, unexpected costs such as equipment repairs or low customer turnout.
In 2025, Fabeuyla discovered that her neighbour, Larina, had built a shed that partly extended onto her property. Fabeuyla tried to resolve the issue directly with Larina, but they could not reach an agreement. Fabeuyla decided to take Larina to the Local Court to seek compensation for the land encroachment and any damage caused. Analyse how the Australian court system upholds two key principles of Australia’s legal system in resolving the matter.
Independent Judiciary: The court provides Fabeuyla and Larina with the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments, ensuring both sides are heard before a decision is made. This shows that disputes are resolved fairly through a formal legal process
Equality before the law: Both Fabeuyla and Larina are treated equally under the law. The court applies the same rules and procedures to both parties, regardless of who they are, ensuring that the decision is impartial and just.