The Parliament of South Australia began in 1857, when the colony of South Australia was granted self-government and a representative government under a new constitution.
Before that, South Australia had a colonial system of government, ruled by a Governor responsible to the British Crown, not to the people of South Australia. But from the first days of the colony, there was a strong desire for self-government, representation, and political and religious freedom.
After 1857, South Australia governed itself. The government, through Parliament, was responsible to the people of South Australia. These governments have created the infrastructure and services that support the life of the State. South Australia has also pioneered many pieces of legislation which were the most advanced in Australia or the British Empire, in their time.