Events leading up to Federation

  • 1889

    Sir Henry Park argues the colonies to federate
  • 1890

    The Australasian Federation recommends a national convention to be held in Commonwealth Australia
  • 1891

    The first Australasian convention is held in Sydney
  • 1893

    people in Corowa and New South Whales argue the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution
  • 1894

    The colonial parliaments lose intrest in federation
  • 1895

    special premiers conference agrees to hold a new federation convention
  • 1896

    people conference in Bathurst and New South Whales agrees for another federation Convention
  • September 2-24

    The second national Australasian meets in Adelaide and Sydney to agree for a Constitution
  • 1898

    Votes are held in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution
  • January

    The premiers have a secret meeting to discuss changes to the constitution
  • April and July

    Votes are held in South Australia, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania
  • September

    Queensland voters declare the Constitution
  • July 31

    Western Australia holds a vote which a lot of people approve
  • March

    a person is sent to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament
  • July 1

    The British parliament passes the Commonwealth Australia constitution act
  • July 9

    Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth Australia constitution act
  • January 1

    The Commonwealth Australia is proclaimed in Centennial park, Sydney
  • March 29 and 30

    The first commonwealth elections are held
  • May 9

    Duke of Cornwall opens the first Parliament of the commonwealth Australia in the Exhibition building in Melbourne