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Australian Federation

By gummybearguy

  • Sir Henry Parkes Speech

    Sir Henry Parkes, gives a speech in Tenterfield in 1889 that begins public debate about the possibility of federation.
  • Period: to

    The Australian Federation

    The events leading up to the Federation of Australia.

  • Federatio Revival

    A conference in the town of Corowa revives the federation movement with a proposal that the people should elect delegates who would decide the best model of government.

  • Federation Procceds

    All colonial premiers meet in Hobart and agree that the resolution from the Corowa conference should proceed.

  • Campaign from Helen Spence

    In the 1897 elections, Helen Spence campaigns to become a delegate for SA. In this state, she becomes the first woman to run for political office in the British Empire.

  • National Australasian Convention

    First session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Adelaide to work towards a Federal Constitution. All colonies except Queensland attended.

  • National Australasian Convention

    Second session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney.

  • National Australasian Convention

    Third and final session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Melbourne. Delegates agree on a draft Constitution.

  • Colonies Premiers' Conference

    The Premiers of all the six colonies meet in Melbourne to discuss changes to the proposed Constitution. Because it is a private meeting,The meeting agrees to some changes to meet the concerns of Queensland and New South Wales. It also decides to have a federal capital in New South Wales but not within 100 miles of Sydney.

  • Constitution Bill

    The Constitution Bill is passed in Queensland.

  • Australian Delegates Invited to London

    Australian delegates are invited to London to negotiate the enactment in Britain of the Constitution Bill.

  • Meeting in London

    The first delegates' meeting is held in London.

  • State Premiers Conference

    A conference of State Premiers is held in Melbourne to support the delegates in London. The meeting confirms that the delegates' mission is to have the Constitution Bill passed in London in the form voted for by the Australian people.

  • Commonwealth of Australia Constitution

    The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act is passed by the British Parliament.

  • Commonwealth of Australia

    Queen Victoria proclaims that the Commonwealth of Australia, comprising all six colonies, will come into existence on 1 January 1901.

  • First Governor General

    Lord Hopetoun is appointed first Governor-General of Australia.

  • The Duke of York

    The first Commonwealth Parliament was opened by the Duke of York in Melbourne.