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Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, wants colonies to federate. There is also a town in New South Wales, Australia named Parkes which has a population of 15,450
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The Australasian Federation Conference would like a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia.
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The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution.
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Economic depression, the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation.
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A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, wants the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. The Corowa Branch of the Border Federation League organised and hosted a conference which was really was the start of the push of the people.
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A special premiers' conference agrees to hold a new federation convention.
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A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention.
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The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution.
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Referendums are held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is approved by all but New South Wales.
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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 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 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held.
On 9 May the Duke of Cornwall and York opens the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.
