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Australia before federation
Australia was made up of six British colonies which all had their own government and laws. This system caused a lot of problems. http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/federation.html -
Celebrating the idea of being Australian
Colonies could communicate via telegraph. Songs and poems celebrated life as an "Australian". http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
An idea that had everyone thinking...
Henry Parks had an idea to federate the colonies and create one nation. As Premier of New South Wales, he suggested a conference to discuss the idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Parkes -
The Australian Federal Convention
The Australian Federal Convention was held in Melbourne where head politicians from the six colonies of Australia and New Zealand met to discuss their desire to form a contitution. http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Research_and_Education/Records_of_the_Australasian_Federal_Conventions_of_the_1890s -
The National Australian Convention
The National Australian Convention was held at a banquet in Sydney where each colony sent seven representatives to discuss work on the constitution. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
Draft Bill
The Premier of Queensland, Sir Samuel Griffith, was the principal draftsman of the Australian Constitution. He introduced the first official draft in late March which was officially recognised by the national Australian Convention and signed by Sir Henry Parkes. http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/publications/papers-and-podcasts/australian-constitution/paul-de-jersey.aspx -
Delay in Progress
Popularity for a federation decreased as tough times were experienced throughout Australia. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
Western Australia join the Commonwealth
The people of Western Australia made the decision to join the Commonwealth after a referendum was held. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act became effective. This is where the colonies all became states of the Commonwealth of Australia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Australia -
Lord Hopetoun Proclaims the Commonwealth of Australia
A Federal Parliment was formed according to the contitution and the first Governor General, Lord Hopetoun, announced the Commonwealth of Australia in Centennial park, Sydney. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm -
The First Commonwealth Parliment
The first Commonwealth Parliment was opened in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/federation.htm
