What Are Squatters?

In 19th-century Australia, squatters were people who occupied grazing land that was owned by the crown and beyond the official limits of settlement. Initially, this occupation was illegal, but it contributed significantly to the growth of the wool industry and the development of a powerful social class.

Squatters’ occupation of land beyond the prescribed limits of settlement expanded the wool industry, which became a cornerstone of the Australian economy. By the late 1840s Australian authorities recognized the economic benefits of the squatters’ activities and began issuing them leases for their sheep runs, allowing them to hold the land legally for extended periods. This recognition marked a shift from illegal occupation to a more formalized system of land tenure.

With their wealth, squatters became influential figures in society and were often resistant to social and political changes that threatened their interests. This was particularly evident during the 1850s when a large influx of immigrants and miners drawn by gold strikes challenged the squatters’ hold on the land, leading to legislative changes that aimed to redistribute land more equitably.

However, the legal recognition of squatters’ rights in Australia remained a contentious issue. The influx of new settlers and the demand for land led to the passage of “selection” acts, which allowed land to be sold at auction. Although squatters had the means to purchase prime land, many grazing areas were acquired by small farmers, who found the agricultural yield disappointing. Tensions between these two groups aroused further conflicts over land use and ownership.