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First elections
Australia's first parliamentary elections held for the New South Wales Legislative Council. -
New authority proposed
Earl Grey proposed a central legislative authority. -
Australian Colonies recognised
Australian Colonies Government Act passed by British Parliament. -
Australian Colonies Government Act passed by British Parliament
Victorian Committee reported that a 'federal union' would be in the interests of all the growing colonies. -
Constitutional Convention
The Australian Federation Conference calls a constitutional convention. -
Adoption
Adoption of the name "the Commonwealth of Australia" and drafting a constitution. -
The Corowa Conference
The Corowa Conference (the "people's convention") calls on the colonial parliaments to pass enabling acts. -
Proposals agreed on
The premiers, except for those of Queensland and Western Australia, agree to implement the Corowa proposals. -
Draft Constitution discussed more
Bathurst Conference (the second "people's convention") meets to discuss the 1891 draft constitution. -
Adoption of Constitution
Adoption of a constitution based on draft. -
Constitution passed
The constitution is passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. -
Federation
Australia becomes a federation.
