Federation

By emcarthy

  • Sir Henry Parkes argues colonies to federate. And that he made a sppech in Ternderfield that he wan'ts colonies to unite together and become one colony

  • 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 and drafts a constitution.

  • Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation.

  • 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 agrees to hold a new federation convention.

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

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution.

    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.

  • 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.