: the wealthy and influential owners of sheep ranches in Australia were dependent upon the emerging squattocracy and the more highly paid government officials— Bernard Smith.

Where did the term squatters come from?

"settler who occupies land without legal title," 1788, agent noun from squat (v.); in reference to paupers or homeless people in uninhabited buildings, it is recorded from 1880.

What job did a squatter perform?

Eventually the term 'squatter' came to refer to a person of high social prestige who grazes livestock on a large scale (whether the station was held by leasehold or freehold title). In Australia the term is still used to describe large landowners, especially in rural areas with a history of pastoral occupation.