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Sir Henry Parkes
Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, urges the colonies to Federate. -
The Australasian Federation Conference
The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia. -
The first National Australasian Convention
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, which lasted three years. -
A people's conference
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 conference
A special premier's conference agrees to hold a new federation convention. -
A second people's conference
A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention. -
The second National Australasian Convention
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution, which lasted one year. -
Referendums in New South Wales
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. -
Secret meeting
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution. -
Referendums are held in South Australia
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. -
Delegation
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament. -
Commonwealth of Australia
On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. -
Queen Victoria
On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. -
Constitution
On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution. -
Centennial Park
On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. -
Commonwealth elections
On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held. -
The first Parliament
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.