Since my last book, many people have asked me what I planned to write next. In reply I’ve mentioned several published articles and parliamentary fact sheets, which appeared in print and on the Internet. Nevertheless, this book began after attempts to answer questions from tourists about Tasmania. After some inconclusive research, I proposed the island’s renaming as relevant to the Tasmanian Parliament because of its links with the State’s constitutional history, which is likewise linked with anti-transportation. The outcome was approval, not only for this book, but also for a book to mark the Tasmanian Parliament’s sesquicentenary in 2006.

I wish to thank the Presiding Officers of the Tasmanian Parliament, the Hon. D. G. Wing, MLC, President of the Legislative Council, and Hon. M. R. Polley, MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly. I also thank Messrs. Peter Alcock, Clerk of the House of Assembly, Scott McKenzie, Clerk of the Legislative Council, and Peter Bennison, Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly. Through them authorisation was forthcoming for secondment from my substantive employment as Parliamentary Librarian to the Parliamentary History Project.

I record my appreciation to all those who kindly read drafts of my manuscript. Without sufficient room to name them all, particular thanks go to Emeritus Professor Michael Roe and Dr Stefan Petrow, who both achieved criticism combined with constructive suggestion, and did so with aplomb. All the readers made helpful suggestions for cuts, corrections or additions, many of which survived the final editing, which was consummately accomplished by Robyn Colman of Word-Wise. Thanks to everyone involved, although in common with all authors, I alone bear the responsibility for any remaining errors of commission or omission.

I acknowledge - alphabetically - assistance given by dedicated professionals at the following agencies, or their constituent parts: Archives Office of Tasmania, Queen Victoria and Art Gallery, Parliamentary Reporting Service [Hansard], State Library of Tasmania, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Tasmanian Parliamentary Library, and the University of Tasmania. Similar institutions have assisted, in person or via the Internet, and on both counts I thank the Mitchell Library, National Archives and National Library of Australia. Where necessary, I acknowledge permission to reproduce images granted by the following institutions: Mitchell Library, New South Wales State Library, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, State Library of Tasmania, and Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Others are available online in the public domain via the marvellous Project Gutenberg.

I again record my heartfelt thanks for the immeasurable support of my loving wife Margaret. She not only tolerated the countless hours that I have been ‘elsewhere’ researching or writing, but also read early drafts. Without contradiction, I am deeply indebted to her boundless acceptance of my ‘hobby’, because much of this effort occurred during personal time. Finally, this book is dedicated to my cherished brother, who, although originally British and mostly resident interstate, now rests in peace in Tasmania.

Terry Newman
Parliament House
Hobart, Tasmania
March 2005