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1846
Sir Charles FitzRoy, Governor of New South Wales, suggested to the Secretary of State the appointment of "some superior functionary" to decide on matters affecting all of the colonies. -
1889
24th October 1889 Sir Henry Parkes urges colonies to Federate. He made a speech at Tenterfield in which he urged all colonial governments to unite and create a National Government for Australia. -
1891
The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution. -
1891-1894
Great depression, not many people were interested in in federation -
1897-1898
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution. -
1899
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution. -
1900
WA said "Yes" to being united -
1901
On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. -
1901
On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held. -
1901
On 9 May the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opens the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.