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colonies
These colonies were ultimately under British rule from the time the First Fleet landed, in 1788, until 1901. -
1860
There were 6 British colonies in Australia. They could decide some things themselves, but the laws were made in Britain. -
1890
Each colony was now able to elect their own government, but still the big decisions were made in Britain. People in the colonies were starting to talk about joining together to be one nation instead of 6 little colonies. -
1893
The federation groups decided that the people of Australia should vote to decide if federation should take place. -
the vote
The premiers met to discuss the things that worried those three colonies, and changes were made to the Constitution. One change was that there would be a new capital built between Sydney and Melbourne, because both thought they should be the capital city. People in all colonies except Western Australia voted for the new Constitution, and this time it was successful. -
the coin
In 1899 there was a coin of edmund barton that was the prime minister in 1901 to 1903. -
the bill of federation
On 22 January 1899, leaders of the six Australian colonies met in Melbourne to discuss a federation bill. -
royal assent
After not being accepted by the states the first time, the amended Commonwealth Constitution was given Royal Assent on 9 July 1900. -
1901 to 1903
Australia's first Prime Minister was Edmund Barton, who was Prime Minister from January 1901 to September 1903. This gave Australia the right to govern itself.
