The making of the nation By athiel Jan 1, 1891 The first national australiasian convertion drafts costalution Period: Mar 16, 1891 to Mar 16, 1894 Economic depression means the colonial parlements lose interest in federation. Apr 29, 1899 The South Australian referendum about federation is won Dec 22, 1899 Australian delegates are invited to London to negotiate the enactment in Britain of the constitution bill Jul 5, 1900 The commonwelth of Australia constitution act is passed by the British parliment Jan 1, 1901 The commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed the first prime minister (Edmund Barton) and parlement were sworn in.