How did the Legislative Council change government in New South Wales after 1823?

Following the inquiry by Commissioner J.T. Bigge into the administration of Lachlan Macquarie, a small Legislative Council was established in New South Wales in 1823, composed of government officials and nominated colonists.1

This body marked a shift away from the governor's previously absolute powers, though the governor remained responsible to the Colonial Office in London. The council's powers were subsequently enlarged in 1828. While this initial council provided a formal structure for governance, it was not an elected body, which led to mounting pressure from free colonists—specifically the emancipists—for a representative legislature.1

It is important to note that the 1823 council did not immediately grant representative government; that transition did not occur until 1842, when a legislature with elected members was introduced, followed by the establishment of responsible government in 1856.1