Key Events Leading Up To Federation

By lrichards

  • Sir Henry Parkes Oration

    Sir Henry Parkes gave speech in favor of federation in Tenterfield. He urged all the 6 Australian colonies to unite as one national Australian government. In his speech he reminded people about how foreign counties might invade us because they have already colonized parts around Australia.

  • Draft Of The Constitution For Australia

    The Australasian Federation conference recommended a national convention to draft a constitution for Australia. Prime Ministers from all colonies except Tasmania went to draft the constitution.
  • Period: to

    The Economic Depression

    The economic depression occurred which means the colonies lost interest in the idea of Federation. All colonies lost interest except Western Australia.

  • The Conference In Cowra, NSW

    In Cowra, NSW a conference was held. John Quick stated that he required each Parliament to legislate for the election of the constitutional convention. The constitution would then be approved with a referendum being held in each colony.

  • Aboriginals were Prohibited

    Aboriginals were prohibited from drinking alcohol or living outside reserves. Then later, followed by the Victorian legislation. Similar laws were passed through the states at federal level.

  • Referendums

    Referendums were held in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. These referendums were held to approve the constitution with all the Australian colonies.

  • NSW Voting 'Yes'

    New South Wales voted ‘yes’ agreeing on the constitution of Australia. Even with NSW saying ‘yes’ it was 8405 short of the 80,000 required for Australia to federate.

  • Another Referendum Was Held To Approve The Constitution

    Another referendum was held to approve the constitution:
    29th of April – SA agreed to the constitution.
    20th of June – NSW approved the constitution.
    27th of July – Vic and Tas agreed to the constitution.
    2nd of September – QLD approved the constitution.

  • Queen Victoria's Approval

    On the 17th of September 1900 Queen Victoria approved the constitution and the commonwealth of Australia. Queen Victoria allowed all 6 Australians colonies to federate on January 1, 1901.

  • Federation Of Australia

    In 1901 Australia became a united country in Centennial Park, Sydney. Edmund Barton became the Prime Minister for Australia. Immigration laws were created, restricting all non- white people out of the country.