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Sir Henry Parkes makes a speech in Tenterfield to urge colonies to federate.
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Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation.
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The Australasian Federation Conference urges colonies to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia
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It was held in Sydney to draft a constitution
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A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution.
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A special premiers' conference agrees to hold a new federation convention.
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Second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for federation convention.
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The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution.
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Referendums are held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is endorsed by all but New South Wales.
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In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution. Between April and July referendums are held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania at which a majority vote 'yes' to the bill. In September Queensland voters endorse the constitution.
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In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament. On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution.
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On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held. 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.