(a) No. After being granted responsible government by Britain, the colonies had a general power to administer, enforce and even make new law within their borders. For example, New South Wales was given the general power 'to make laws for the peace, welfare, and good government' of the colony; and Victoria was given the power 'to make laws in and for Victoria in all cases whatsoever'.

But there were some important restrictions on the colonies' law making power.

- They could not make law that was inconsistent with laws made by the British parliament; and

- They could not generally make laws to operate outside their own borders.