Timeline to Federation

By mrpredatorofpie

  • A

    Sir Henry Parkes gives the inaugural speech that causes the the first public debate about the possibilty of federation.

  • B

    Melbourne conference agrees that a draft constitution should be written up.
  • Period: to

    Years before Federation

  • C

    First conference to draw up a constitution is held in Sydney.

  • D

    The final touches to the constitution are administered.

  • E

    Economic recession hit the colonies the year earlier. Times are tough.

  • F

    A conference is held in Corowa and revives the federation movement that the people should elect delegates who will decide the best model of the government.

  • G

    All colonial premiers met in Hobart to agree on the resolution decided in Corowa.

  • I

    Helen Spence campaigns to become the delegate for South Australia. She also incidentally becomes the first woman in the British Empire to run for a political office.

  • H

    The heads of NSW, Vic, Tas and SA select the delegates to attend the National Australasian Convention.

  • J

    The National Australiasian Convention meets in Adelaide and decides on the best model for the new federal government.

  • K

    The people of NSW, Vic, Tas and South Australia vote in a referendum to decide whether they agree with the model of the government chosen at the convention.

  • L

    A second referendum is held as it was necessary. It was held in NSW, Vic, Tas, SA and Queensland.

  • M

    Queen Victoria agrees to the new constitution and WA decides to join the federation.

  • N

    Federation between the colonies of Australia is declared. The era of the Commonwealth of Australia begins.