In 1824 a small Executive Council had been formed to consult with Governor Thomas Brisbane on colonial matters. In 1829 this was enlarged and became the Legislative Council, consisting of fifteen members, who had power to make laws for the colony. But as their proceedings were strictly secret and could be completely reversed by the Governor whenever he chose, they formed a very imperfect substitute for a true legislative body. Yet it was of some service to the colony and one of its first acts was to introduce the English jury system, in place of arbitrary trials by Government officials.
(continues… The Newspaper Wars)