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Australian Federation History
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Sir Henry Parkes,premier of New South Wales,urges the colonies to federate.
Sir Henry Parkes,premier of New South Wales,urges the colonies to federate. -
Economic Depression means the colonial parliaments loose interest in federation
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A special premier's conference agrees to hold a new federation convention.
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A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention.
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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
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Secret meeting
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. -
delegation
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament. -
The British Parliament passes the Commonwealth
The British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. -
Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth
Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. -
Western Australia holds a referendum
Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution. -
Centennial Park
The Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. -
Commonwealth elections
The first Commonwealth elections are held. -
Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne
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.
