In this alternate scenario… The Dutch and French colonies on Australia sucede with the Island being split into west (New Holland) and east (New Normandy).
Although the two nations remain separate, neither country settles in the centre of Australia. This becomes a refuge for the surviving aboriginals.
By the time the British arrive in the 19th century the continent is claimed, and Britain instead claims Tasmania and New Zealand.
After World War 2 the tribes of the aboriginals in central Australia have united to form a new form of government with the capital situated over the largest aquifer in the region. Aboriginal culture remains purely untainted. Many attempts for independence are made with no success. Despite the small population of only 10,000-20,000 or so aboriginals in the central Australia region, they gain notable recognition by the turn of the century by forming the new country of Central Australia. its own national language and capital in Alice Springs. The new country only source of GDP growth is through tourism, mainly to Alice springs.
Countries in Australasia.
1. New Holland.
2. New Normandy.
3. Tasmania.
4. New Zealand.
5. Central Australia