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Henry Parkes promotes Federation in his newspaper
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Period: to
Time-line to Federation
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Federal Australasian Council established
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Federal Council Established
An attempt to have joint action on matters affecting all the colonies in common: New South Wales refuses to join. -
NSW Premier Henry Parkes’ Tenterfield (NSW) speech-calls for Federation
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Australasia Federation Conference
Adopts a resolution in favour of the union of colonies -
National Australasia Convention
Sydney agrees to draft a constitution. Adopts name of Commonwealth of Australia. Constitution drafted by Andrew Inglis Clark (Tasmania). Draft Constitution amended aboard Queensland government boat Lucinda by Charles Cameron Kingston (SA), Samuel Griffith 9Qld), Edmund Barton (NSW), Andrew Inglis Clark (TAS). -
Edmund Barton tours the Riverina area, setting up Federation Leagues.
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Formation of the Australasia Federation League in New South Wales
“People’s Convention” in Corowa (NSW)- accept the idea that people are to vote for delegates to the next convention to consider the Constitution. -
Premier meet in Hobart
Agree to the Corowa Conference approach (NSW)-accepts the idea that people are to vote for delegates to the next convention to consider the Constitution. -
Second “People’s Conference” in Bathurst (NSW) - debated 1891 draft and suggested key changes to the Senate.
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Second session of the National Australasia Convention — in Sydney — revises draft Constitution
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Referendum Vote
YES vote in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and NSW but not the required majority in NSW. -
Secret Premier’s Conference
To amend the Constitution to satisfy NSW and Queensland. Referendum vote — all colonies except Western Australia vote for Federation -
British parliament passes Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Vote in Western Australia — 31 July — For Federation.
Queen Victoria proclaims the date of inauguration of the Commonwealth — 1 January 1901 -
Proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia — 1 January
First Federal election — three main parties which ran candidates were Protectionists, Free Traders and Labor. Opening of the first Parliament — at Melbourne’s Exhibition Building.
