Fed gif

Federation By Jono

  • Sir Henry Parkes proposed a Federal Council.

  • Premier Henry Parkes (NSW) brought up the issue again at another conference.

  • Final and successful push for federal council.

  • Federal Council of Australiasia formed. Some of the colonies were co-operating.

  • Premiers and Governers agreed to a formal meeting.

  • Conference organised by Sir Henry Parkes in Melbourne ; agreement that time for Federation had arrived.

  • The first ever National Australiasia Convention was held in Sydney, where a draft constitution was made.

  • Proposal accepted to establish a new convention.

  • Second national Australasian Convention.

  • Referendums in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. All agree except New South Wales.

  • Referendum held in all colonies except W.A. the majority vote was 'YES'.

  • Constitution presented to the British Parliament.

  • British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

  • Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

  • Western Australia holds a referendum - majority of voters approve the Constitution.

  • Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney.