Australian\Federation

Federation timeline

Period: Mar 9, 1870 to Mar 9, 1910

Sir Henry Parkes urges to federate

Mar 7, 1889

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

Sir Henry Parkes speech in Tenterfield

Oct 24, 1889

Sir Henry Parkes gives a speech in Tenterfield Oration calling for federation

National conference

Mar 7, 1890

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

The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney.

Mar 7, 1891

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

Corowa held a Federation league rally

Jul 31, 1893

Call for a second peoples conference

Mar 7, 1896

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

First session of the National Australiasian Convention

Apr 23, 1897

First session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Adelaide to work towards a Federal Constitution. All colonies except Queensland attended

Secret meeting

Mar 7, 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.

Passes the Comonwealth of Australia Constitution Act

Jan 1, 1901

The argument on whether they should federate finsh.

Queen Victoria dies and is succeeded by Edward VII

Jan 22, 1901