Highlights collection items in our catalogue from the 5 major island clusters in the Torres Straits Region.

Use this guide for tips and hints for finding and using Government gazettes in your research.

From 1911 until self-government in May 1989, the laws of the Australian Capital Territory were made by Acts of the federal Parliament or by ordinances made by the Governor-General. From 1974 to 1986 these ordinances were passed after consultation with the House of Assembly and Legislative Assembly.

The printed collections at the National Library contain substantial collections of older legislation in print, though these may not be complete sets. 

This guide will help you find information about Commonwealth and State/Territory law, both at the National Library and online.

Legislation, also known as statutes or Acts of Parliament, is the written law made by Parliament. In any year the Parliament may vote on new Acts of Parliament to create new laws or vote to change, or amend, older Acts of Parliament. 

Find immigration records, shipping and passenger lists for fare-paying passengers, assisted migrants and crew members to reveal key details about your family members arrival in Australia.

The Australian Joint Copying Project is a collection of historical material relating to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific dating from 1560 to 1984.

Weather is defined as ‘the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure,’ precipitation and sunshine.

The major official sources of Australian colonial statistics are available on microform as part of the ABS Colonial Microfiche collection.