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Before Federation began
Colonies
In 1860 there were six seperate British colonies in Australia they were like seperate Countries. The main laws of the colonies were made by the British Parliament. -
Celebrating becoming Australia
At first the colonies had little to do with each other. But in 1872 telegraph linked the colonies, and the idea of being 'Australian' began to be celebrated in songs and poems, and by the 1890s the idea of federation was becoming popular. People began to realise that for matters like defence, controlling immigration and economy, a nation would be stronger than seperate colonies.
http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
Henry Parkes idea
Henry Parkes ad the idea to federate the colonies and create one nation. As Premier of News South Wales, he suggested a conference to discuss the idea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henery Parkes -
The Australian Federal Convention
The Australian Federal Convention was held in Melbourne where head politicians from the six colonies of Australia and New Zealand met to discuss their desire to form a contitution. http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Research_and_Education/Records_of_the_Australasian_Federal_Conventions_of_the_1890s -
The National Australian Convention
The National Australian Convention was held at a banquet in Sydney where each colony sent seven representatives to discuss work on the constitution. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
Draft Bill
Draft BillThe Premier of Queensland, Sir Samuel Griffith, was the principal draftsman of the Australian Constitution. He introduced the first official draft in late March which was officially recognised by the national Australian Convention and signed by Sir Henry Parkes. http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/publications/papers-and-podcasts/australian-constitution/paul-de-jersey.aspx -
The Delay
Delay in Progress Popularity for a federation decreased as tough times were experienced throughout Australia. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
The Federation vote
The federation groups decided that the people of Australia should vote to decide if federation should take place.
http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
Joining the Commonwealth
The people of Western Australia made the decision to join the Commonwealth after a referendum was held. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
The start of Federation
Jan 1st 1901 3,773,801 White Australians celebrated Federation.
The year began with a fabulous bang Fireworks, Possections and Parties.Eletric light globes (a new invention) glittering on the Sydney town hall spelt out the message"One people,One destiny"
Federation had begun! -
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act became effective. This is where the colonies all became states of the Commonwealth of Australia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Australia -
Lord Hopetoun Proclaims the Commonwealth of Australia
A Federal Parliment was formed according to the contitution and the first Governor General, Lord Hopetoun, announced the Commonwealth of Australia in Centennial park, Sydney. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
The first Commonwealth Parliment opens
The first Commonwealth Parliment was opened in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
