The birth of the justice system

The NSW Sheriff’s Office was established in Australia by the Third Charter of Justice (New South Wales Act), which came into effect in 1824. 

Prior to 1824, the duties of the Sheriff were performed by the Provost Marshal of the colony of New South Wales.

In 1824, the colony of New South Wales included the whole of eastern Australia, as well as Van Dieman's Land (now Tasmania).

Sheriffs were appointed in the colonies of Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania after their separation from New South Wales, and also in the colonies of South Australia and Western Australia. These colonies later became states, each of which still has a Sheriff.