in 1855, limited self-government was granted by london to new south wales, victoria, south australia and tasmania. a new secret ballot was introduced in victoria, tasmania and south australia in 1856, allowing people to vote in private. this system was copied around the world. in 1855, the right to vote was given to all men over 21 in south australia. the other colonies soon followed. women were given the vote in the parliament of south australia in 1895 and they became the first women in the world allowed to stand in elections. in 1897, catherine helen spence became the first female political candidate.