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Australia was made up of six British colonies which all had their own government and laws. This system caused a lot of problems. http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/federation.html
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Colonies could communicate via telegraph. Songs and poems celebrated life as an "Australian". http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
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Henry Parks had an idea to federate the colonies and create one nation. As Premier of New South Wales, he suggested a conference to discuss the idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Parkes
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The Australian Federal Convention was held in Melbourne where head politicians from the six colonies of Australia and New Zealand met to discuss their desire to form a contitution. http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Research_and_Education/Records_of_the_Australasian_Federal_Conventions_of_the_1890s
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The National Australian Convention was held at a banquet in Sydney where each colony sent seven representatives to discuss work on the constitution. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
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The Premier of Queensland, Sir Samuel Griffith, was the principal draftsman of the Australian Constitution. He introduced the first official draft in late March which was officially recognised by the national Australian Convention and signed by Sir Henry Parkes. http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/publications/papers-and-podcasts/australian-constitution/paul-de-jersey.aspx
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Popularity for a federation decreased as tough times were experienced throughout Australia. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
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The people of Western Australia made the decision to join the Commonwealth after a referendum was held. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
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The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act became effective. This is where the colonies all became states of the Commonwealth of Australia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Australia
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A Federal Parliment was formed according to the contitution and the first Governor General, Lord Hopetoun, announced the Commonwealth of Australia in Centennial park, Sydney. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
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The first Commonwealth Parliment was opened in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
