Settlers of the
Port Phillip District had wanted representation in the New South Wales Legislative Council for some time. In 1843 a representative for the Town of Melbourne (and five members for the
Electoral district of Port Phillip). were elected; "But the colonists were not satisfied with government from and by
Sydney". On 1 July 1851, the Port Phillip district (which included Melbourne) was separated from New South Wales under provisions of the
Australian Colonies Government Act 1850, and became the Colony of Victoria and the
Victorian Legislative Council was created. ==Members==