sentences:  Initially the colony was run as an open prison under the governance of Royal Navy Captain Arthur Phillip.Later, as more free settlers were attracted to Australia and transportation was ceased in the mid-1800s, the nature of the colonies changed as Australia began to emerge as a modern, self-sustaining society and after the 1850s the colonies were progressively granted responsible government, allowing them to manage most of their own affairs while remaining part of the British Empire.Nevertheless, the Colonial Office in London retained control of some matters, including foreign affairs and defence.