Federation

Sir Henry Parkes argues colonies to federate. And that he made a sppech in Ternderfield that he wan'ts colonies to unite together and become one colony

Oct 24, 1889

The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia.

1890

The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution.

1891

Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation.

1891

A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution.

1893

A special premiers' conference agrees to hold a new federation convention.

1895

A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention.

1896

The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution.

1897

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.

1898

In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution.

1899

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.

On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution.

Jul 31, 1900

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.

On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney.

Jan 1, 1901

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.