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George Augustus Robinson (1788-1866) was Chief Protector of Aborigines in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) between 1829 and 1838. In 1832, Robinson inspected Flinders Island (Bass Strait) and recommended it as a suitable place on which to found a home for the Aborigines. In 1838 it was decided to bring in a scheme to protect the Aborigines on the mainland of Australia and Robinson was appointed Chief Protector, with four assistants. One of his assistants was William Thomas (see also his collection of microfilmed papers at MLMSS 214/1-28). Robinson moved to Port Phillip in 1839, to head the Aboriginal Protectorate. Over the next 11 years he undertook a number of lengthy excursions throughout Victoria and compiled detailed journals and reports. After claims of weak and expensive administration, the Port Phillip Protectorate was abolished in Dec. 1849 and Robinson returned to England in 1853.