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Period: to
Australian Federation
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Sir Henry Parkes
The Premier of NSW, Sir Henry Parkes urged the colonies to federate. -
Australasion Federation Conference
The Australasian Federation Conference recommended a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia. -
National Australasian Convention
The first National Australasian Convention was held in Sydney and drafted a constitution. -
Depression
Between 1891 and 1894 an economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation. -
Peoples conference
A peoples conference in Corowa, NSW, urged the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. -
Premiers Conference
A special premiers conference agrees to hold a new c=federation conference. -
Second Peoples Conference
A second peoples conference in Bathurst, NSW renews calls for another federation conference. -
Second National Australasian Convention
1897-1898 The Second National Australasian Convention was held in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne and agrees to the constitution. -
Referendums
Referendums are held in NSW, Victoria, South Australian and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is endorsed by all but NSW. -
Secret Meeting
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting to agree to several changes to the constitution. -
Referendums
Between April and July referendums are held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania at which a majority voted yes to the bill. In September QLD voters endorsed the constitution. -
Travel to London
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament. -
Commonweatlh of Australia Constitution Act
The British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act -
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act -
Western Australia
Western Australia held a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approved the constitution. -
Promotions
The Commonwealth of Australia is promoted on Centennial Park, Sydney. -
Elections
On 29 & 30 March the first Commonwealth elections were held. -
Party Time
In 1901 Australia became a collective country and large parties were thrown. Handkerchiefs were specially created with the shape of Australia embroidered on them. -
Duke of Cornwall
The Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opens the first parliament of the commonwealth and Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.