New legislation in Victoria gives the Agent-General in Britain full control of immigrant selection. Agents in Britain are paid fees to recruit immigrants, especially unmarried women, to Victoria.
British immigrants are enticed by offers of assisted passage and land.
Most of Victoria's anti-Chinese legislation is repealed, and Chinese people become the fourth largest immigrant group after the British, Irish and Germans.
In 1861, legislation confines Aboriginal people to missions and reserves.
General policy towards Aborigines changes from 'civilise and christianise' to 'pacification'.
In 1869, Victorian parliament passes legislation for the protection of Aborigines.
Aus Pop (1865): 1,390,043
Vic Pop (1865): 617,791
Figures taken from Colonial and Commonwealth censuses and exclude Aborigines until 1971.