The Australian Antarctic Territory
The work of Mawson and Australia's expeditioners paved the way for Australia’s territorial claim over the areas of Antarctica we now operate within.
On 7 February 1933, the British Government issued an Order-in-Council placing the Territory under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia.
That part of the Territory in the Antarctic seas which comprises all the islands and territories, other than Adelie Land, situated south of the 60th degree south latitude and lying between the 160th degree east longitude and the 45th degree east longitude, is hereby declared to be accepted by the Commonwealth as a Territory under the authority of the Commonwealth, by the name of the Australian Antarctic Territory.
This wedge-shaped portion of the map came under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1936 following the passing of the Australian Antarctic Territory Act.
