1843 Moreton Bay granted separate representation in NSW Legislative Council.

1859 After bitter debate, Qld proclaimed separate colony from NSW; population 25,000.

Qld's 11-member Legislative Council (upper house) nominated, Legislative Assembly (lower house) of 26 elected for five-year terms; squatters dominate both houses.

Manhood suffrage and secret ballot introduced, limited by sex, property, qualification; zoning favours country.

Governor Sir George Bowen has powers to formulate, veto and administer laws, summon or dismiss parliament, select ministers.

1860 Qld Parliament sits for first time in renovated convict barracks, Queen St; first premier R.G.W. Herbert, right.

1861 Qld's first official strike: coalminers at Redbank.

1864 First daily Hansard in Australia published in Qld.

Immigration Act establishes preference for British immigrants for Qld.

1865 Former activist from Young Ireland Movement, Dr Kevin Izod O'Doherty, and poet wife Eva move to Brisbane.

Foundation stone of Qld Parliament House, right, laid.

1866 Drought and economic downturn trigger financial crisis; government near bankrupt; migration halted.

Premier Arthur Macalister resigns when governor Bowen refuses permission to issue "greenbacks" (non-convertible notes) on government credit, calling it a licence to print money.

Hostile demonstrations in Brisbane streets petition for governor Bowen's recall to England;
Macalister, right, returns as premier.

"Bread and blood" riots as unemployed storm government stores in Brisbane.

1867 Ironmonger William Brookes spearheads movement for abolition of Kanaka labour.

1868 Qld's new Parliament House in George St opens for first meeting.