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Intercolonial conference
Held in Sydney to discuss customs duties (some colonies endorsed free trade, while others had policies where goods originating elsewhere were taxed on entrance.) First time idea of Federation was put forward. -
Australasian inter-colonial convention
Six colonies, New Zealand and Fiji met in Sydeney. Discussed annexation of certain islands and Samuel Griffiths drafted bill for Federal Council of Australasia. -
Federal Council of Australasia Act
Passed by british parliament and Federal Council formed after colonies passed adopting acts. New South Wales, New Zealand and South Australia (apart from 1888-1890) did not join. First inter-colonial group formed. -
Sir Henry Parkes' Tenterfield Address
Second attempt at federation, a speech at the Tenterfield school of Arts which stated the need for national government. Called for Parliamentary Convention to occur. -
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National Australian Convention
Met at Sydney's Parliament house. Representatives from each colony and New Zealand decided on the name 'Commonwealth of Australia'. Samuel Griffiths is credited with drafting the constitution, but this claim is disputed. -
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Second Constitutional Convention
Series of meetings. Edmund Barton succeeded Parkes, who had died the previous year, and basic principles and a constitution were drawn up. -
Constitutional Referendum
People of the colonies had to vote. Held in VIC, NSW, SA and TAS, and all recorded majority 'yes.' However, NSW had previously said a majority in its colony would only be accepted if in excess of 80,000 votes and only reached 71,595 so constitution was not passed. -
Second round of referendums
Other colonies realised federation required full support of NSW so held secret premier's conferences beforehand, making changes to constitution to agree to their demands, such as that the capital would be in a territory within NSW. Yes majority achieved all over the country. -
Commonwealth of Australia Consitution Act (UK)
Legislation needed to be accpeted by the British government as they still ruled all colonies. Important delegates travelled to London to make sure the bill was passed, and it was given full royal assent by Queen Victoria on the 9th July. WA had not yet had a chance to vote on the bill, however the other states secured its support with the promise of a transcontinental railway track if it agreed. The vote was then overwhelmingly passed. -
Federation
What legally had been separate states the day before were now the federated Commonwealth of Australia.