ARTHUR PHILLIP’S INSTRUCTIONS
On the 7th of February 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales, issued a set of instructions known as the "Phillip's Instructions." These instructions were a comprehensive set of guidelines and orders that outlined the governance and administration of the newly established British colony in Australia.
The instructions covered a wide range of aspects related to the management of the colony, including:
1. Government Structure: The instructions established a system of governance that vested ultimate authority in Governor Phillip. He was given the power to make laws, appoint officers, and establish courts.
2. Relations with Indigenous People: The instructions emphasized the need for respectful relations with the Indigenous inhabitants of the land. Governor Phillip was instructed to seek a peaceful coexistence with the Aboriginal people, to treat them justly and fairly, and to avoid any acts of hostility.
3. Land Ownership and Settlement: The instructions outlined the process for acquiring and distributing land within the colony. Governor Phillip was instructed to allocate land for the use of the settlers and to ensure that proper records were maintained.
4. Criminal Justice System: The instructions provided guidance on the establishment of a legal system. Governor Phillip was directed to ensure the enforcement of laws, the establishment of courts, and the administration of justice in the colony.
5. Trade and Commerce: The instructions outlined the regulation of trade and commerce within the colony. Governor Phillip was instructed to encourage agriculture, industry, and trade to promote the economic development of the settlement.
6. Morality and Discipline: The instructions stressed the importance of maintaining order and discipline within the colony. Governor Phillip was instructed to enforce morality, prevent vice and immorality, and ensure the proper behavior of the settlers.
Governor Arthur Phillip's instructions played a crucial role in establishing the foundations of governance and administration in the early days of the colony. They provided guidance and authority to the governor and set the tone for the development of the settlement. These instructions formed the basis for the early legal and administrative framework of New South Wales and laid the groundwork for the establishment of subsequent institutions and systems of government.





