Timeline of Federation

  • Sir Henry Parkes

    Sir Henry Parkes gives a speech in Tenterfield that begins public debate about the possibility of Federation
  • Period: to

    Timeline to Federation

  • Melbourne Conference

    A conference in Melbourne agrees on a draft constitution
  • Sydney Conference

    A conference held in Sydney to draw up the new constitution.
  • Final Touches

    The final touches were made to the first constitution in Easter.
  • Severe Economic Recession

    A severe economic recession hits the colonies
  • Severe Economic Recession

    A severe economic recession hits the colonies
  • Conference in Corowa

    A conference in the town of Corowa revives the federation movement with a proposal that people should elect delegates who would decide the best model of government.
  • Colonial Premiers Meet in Hobart

    All colonial premiers meet in Hobart and agree that the resolution from the Corowa conference should proceed.
  • National Australasian Convention

    The National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide and decides on the best model for the new government.
  • States Elect Delegates

    The people of NSW, VIC, TAS and SA elect delegates ti attend the National Australasian Convention.
  • Helen Spence

    Helen Spence campaigns for the election to become a delegate for SA and therefore becoming the first woman in the British Empire to run for political office.
  • Vote for Referendum

    The people of NSW, VIC, TAS and SA vote in a referendum to decide if they agree with the best model for the new federal government.
  • Second Referendum

    A second referendum is necessary and it is held in NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and QLD.
  • Queen Victoria

    Queen Victora agrees to the new constitution in 1900 and WA decides to join the federation.
  • Federation

    Federation between all colonies is declared on the first of January.