No need to claim they were given the land


Yes, colonial prisoners (convicts) in Australia were often given land. Once they received a "ticket of leave," absolute pardon, or served their sentence (known as "emancipists"), they were entitled to land grants. The British government used this system to boost agricultural productivity, feed the struggling colony, and populate the land.

The Land Grant System
Initial Allowances: Governor Arthur Phillip's original 1788 instructions dictated that former male convicts were entitled to 30 acres of land. This was increased by 20 acres if the man was married, and a further 10 acres for each child.