William McDonald 6 Blue Federation

Colonial Federation

Feb 28, 1847

Sir Earl Grey proposes loose colonial federation.

Council preparing a Constitution for federation

Mar 8, 1883

Federal council formed to start preparing a Constitution for federation.

The Famous Speech

Mar 8, 1889

Sir Henry Parkes delivers his famous speech at Tenterfield in favour of federation.

First federal Constitutional convention

Mar 8, 1891

First federal Constitutional conventionheld in Sydney. First draft Constitution drawn up.

Draft Constitution

Mar 11, 1892

Draft Constitution Lapses

Corowa Confrence

Mar 11, 1893

Corowa Confrence and start of popular federation movement.

Second federal Constitution Convention

Mar 11, 1897

First Refurendum

Mar 14, 1898

First referendum on the federal Constitution; passed by Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia defeated by New South Wales.

Second Referendum

Mar 14, 1899

Second referendum held. Passed by Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.

Queen Victoria Signs the Constitution

Mar 14, 1900

Queen Victoria Signs the Australian Constitution. Refferendum passed in Western Australia.

First Commonwealth Parliament Opens

Mar 14, 1901

Commonwealth of Australia proclaimed on 1st of January 1901. First Commonwealth parliament opens 9.5.1901.