Historian A: John Williams – Economic Perspective "John Williams argues that convict labour was vital for the economic development of colonies like Australia. He emphasizes how convicts provided cheap labour that helped build infrastructure, fostered trade, and contributed to the colony’s prosperity. Williams highlights that the economic benefits outweighed the negatives, portraying convict work as a necessary foundation for colonial growth. His view suggests that convict labour was a pragmatic solution to labour shortages and played a key role in establishing a profitable colony."

Historian B: Sarah Mitchell – Social Perspective "Sarah Mitchell contends that convict labour had negative social impacts. She stresses how it perpetuated inequality, created a class divide, and subjected convicts to harsh conditions and exploitation. Mitchell believes that convict labour undermined social cohesion and inflicted long-lasting trauma on individuals and communities. Her perspective portrays convict labour as a source of social injustice that hindered the development of a fair society in the colonies."