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Period: to
The gold rush
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Sydney to Melbourne railway completed
The Sydney to Melbourne-Sydney railway was completed -
Period: to
Federation of Australia
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Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, urges the colonies to federate
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The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held
The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia. -
The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney
The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution -
Economic depression
Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation -
A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales
A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. -
A special premiers' conference
A special premiers' conference agrees to hold a new federation convention -
A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales
A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention. -
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution. -
Referendums are held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania
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 -
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution.
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. -
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament.
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. -
On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney
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
