Eighth Governor of New South Wales and simultaneously the Governor of Van Dieman’s Land.

His Instructions from the Colonial Office placed limitations on his authority as Governor. This was mainly in the form of how the Executive Council would operate. He was directed "in all things" to consult the Executive Council and to act upon its advice with few exceptions.

Under the Act of 1828, the Governor could no longer override the opinions of the Legislative Council.

Overhauled the systems of all public offices and made the registration of inwards correspondence in the office of the Colonial Secretary compulsory.

Proposed extension of trial by jury and the substitution of civil juries instead of military juries in criminal cases.

Abolished the annual Parramatta ‘feast’ for Aboriginal peoples in 1835 possibly due to dwindling numbers indicating the dwindling indigenous population.

Opposed racial segregation and supported the idea of the formation of a corps of Native Police to help appease the violent frontier clashes that were occurring between squatters and indigenous peoples. Experimented with the idea of villages run by missionaries with the objective being "to prove to them (Aboriginal people) experimentally the superior gratifications to be obtained in civilized life."

Introduced new policies for religion. Gave financial support to the major denominations. The number of churches and clergy of all denominations increased to keep pace with the rising population.

Tried to establish a general system of education completely controlled and paid for by the government but failed when he proposed weekly religious instruction from visiting clergy.

Wanted to introduce elective government but the British government postponed constitutional change in New South Wales until after the cessation of transportation. He did however actively consult the Legislative Council on many occasions, and used them to make effective decisions for the colony.

Encouraged active economic growth through his administration especially of land. As unauthorized squatting was becoming common outside the boundaries within which land was sold, Bourke was instrumental in getting the Crown Lands Occupation Act passed. This allowed land to be used beyond the surveyed areas of NSW without those using it being regarded as unlawful. Bourke believed that this would help the colony’s development in an informal way. At the same time he was anxious to have towns and limited areas of permanent settlement where land might be sold, homes, schools and churches built and police and courts established. He knew that the population was expanding and felt that, rather than contain it, it was important to establish official crown control in the areas chosen As a result of this policy, he established the site for Melbourne.

Opened up a great deal of new territory, constructed main roads, encouraged explorers and squatters in the surveys of new territories.

Appointed a select committee to examine the migrant scheme from Britain. As a result, established the ‘bounty’ system of immigration. This system saw suitable free migrants coming from Britain and the proportion of convicts to free persons decrease.

Resigned 1837 and returned to England.

Hazel King, 'BOURKE,Sir R.', Australian Dictionary of Biography', vol. 1 ed. Douglas Pike pp 128 - 133. (Melbourne University Press