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29 September Governor FitzRoy of New South Wales in a despatch suggested the need for a 'central intercolonial authority'
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time span of federation
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Earl Grey proposed a central legislative authority
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Australian Colonies Government Act passed by British Parliament
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Victoria separated from New South Wales
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Van Diemen's Land renamed Tasmania
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Select Committees in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia held to discuss the possibility of a federal union
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On the same day the Governor announced the personnel of the first Government under the new Constitution, led by the Hon. B. T. Finniss. The first bicameral Parliament of South Australia met on Wednesday, 22 April 1857.
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Queensland separated from New South Wales
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Inter colonial Conference of Treasurers held in Melbourne to discuss uniform tariffs and customs
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Union of the Canadian dominions
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British troops withdrawn
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Australian Natives Association established
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Overland telegraph lines completed between Adelaide and Darwin
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Australian Colonies Duties Act passed by British Parliament
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Britain was defeated in the first cricket test by a team from Victoria and New South Wales
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The Sydney to Melbourne rail link was completed.
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Germany annexed north east new guinea. it was thought that a single nation would have a stronger defence force and would be better able to defend itself.
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sir Henry Parkes made a stirring speech in favour of federation at Tenterfeild NSW.
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the Australian federation conference met in Melbourne, and agreed to call a constitutional convention.
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The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution.
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A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution.
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South Australian women gain the right to vote.
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A special premier's 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 death of Henry Parkes
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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 endorsed 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 September Queensland voters endorse the constitution. -
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. -
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.
