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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
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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.