Until 1856 Tasmania was called Van Diemen's Land. In 1788 it was claimed as part of the New South Wales penal colony. On 3 December 1825 the island was proclaimed a separate colony. The following year a Legislative Council comprising the governor and six appointed members was established. Within a year there was agitation for an elected legislature.The British parliament passed The Australian Colonies Government Act in 1850. The following year on 4 October fifteen members were elected to the Council.