- 1942 – Japanese bombers bomb Darwin during the Pacific War, killing at least 243 people.
- 1943 – Parliament approves the Defence (Citizen Military Forces) Act (1943) introducing conscription for service in the south west Pacific war zone.
- 1955 – The Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty (SEATO) comes into force.
- 1996 – Rob Borbidge becomes Premier of Queensland.
- 1998 – Zali Steggall became the first Australian to win an individual medal at the Winter Olympics, taking bronze in the downhill slalom.