Closer Look

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Federation

Federation Timeline

• 1889

  Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, urges the colonies to federate.

• 1890

  The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia.

• 1891

  The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution.

• 1891-1894

  Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation.

• 1893

  A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution.

• 1895

  A special premier's conference agrees to hold a new federation convention.

• 1896

  A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention.

• 1897-98

  The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution.

• 1898

  Referendums are held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is endorsed by all but New South Wales.

• 1899

  In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution.

  Between April and July referendums are held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania at which a majority vote 'yes' to the bill. In September Queensland voters endorse the constitution.

• 1900

  In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament.

  On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

  On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

  On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution.

• 1901

  On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney.

  On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held.

  On 9 May the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opens the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

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