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In 1788,11 ships carrying hundreds of men, women and children arrive in Australia after 3 long treacherous months of traveling across the ocean. Britain establishes the colony of New South Wales at Sydney Cove.
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In 1889, Sir Henry Parkes delivers his Federation speech ( Tenterfield Oration ) urging cononial governments ' to unite and create a great National Government for all of Australia '.
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In 1890, the Australasian Federation Conference recommened a national convention to be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia
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Containing 13 leaders from each colonial government, the Australasian Federation Conference was held in 1891 to discuss and draft the Australian Constitution.
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During this time period the colonial parliaments lost interest in federation and making Australia on nation.
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In 1893, a peoples conference was held in Corowa, New South Wales urging the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention so they can decide and draft a new constitution.
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In 1895, a special premiers conference was held and they agreed to hold a new federation convention. This was also the year that women in Australia got the right to vote.
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In 1896, a second peoples conference was held but this time it was in Bathurst. In this conference they called for another convention to be held. This was also the year that women started to vote.
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The second Australasian Convention was held in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide were they agreed on the new constitution.
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In 1898 constitution referendums are held in Victoria, New South Wales, Adelaide and South Australia to approve of the Australian constitution.
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In January ( 1899 ) the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree on several changes that they changed to the constitution. Between April and July referendums are held and the majority of people vote 'yes' to the constitution.
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In 1900, the constitution bill is delivered to the British Parliament. As the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act to the queen, she signs it and one last referendum is held in Western Australia and the majority of votes are 'yes'.
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In 1901, a big celebration is held in Centennial Park as Australia is proclaimed a federation. The first elections are held and Sir Edmund Barton becomes prime minister.
