Federation

By garmstrong

  • Sir Henry Parkes

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

  • The Australasian Federation Conference

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

  • The first National Australasian Convention

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

  • Economic depression

    Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation. 1891-1894

  • A people's conference in Corowa

    A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution.

  • A special premiers' conference

    A special premiers' conference agrees to hold a new federation convention.

  • A second people's conference in Bathurst

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

  • The second National Australasian Convention

    1897–98
    The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution.

  • Referendums

    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.

  • premiers hold a 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 travels, British Parliament,

    In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament.
    On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
    On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
    On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution.

  • Commonwealth of Australia, first Commonwealth elections, Duke of Cornwall

    On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney.
    On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held.
    On 9 May 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.