Patty Monckton's 6Blue Federation

Sir Earl Grey proposes federation.

Jun 21, 1847

Sir Earl Grey proposes a loose colonial federation.

British colonies in Australia

Mar 8, 1860

There were 6 British colonies in Australia. They could decide some things themselves, but the laws were made in Britain.

Aboriginal people excluded from census

Apr 17, 1881

First Australia-wide census. Aboriginal people excluded

Preparing for Federation

Oct 4, 1883

Federal Council formed to start preparing a constitution for federation

Sir Henry Parkes makes famous speech about federation

Feb 22, 1889

NSW Premier, Sir Henry Parkes makes a famous speech at Tenterfield in favour of federation.

Able to elect there own government

May 16, 1890

First draft constitution drawn up

Mar 13, 1891

First draft constitution drawn up, which was a list of rules about how the nation's parliament will work. This was presented to the states.

People were allowed to vote if federation should take place

Apr 19, 1893

Formation of the Australasian Federation League and the people of Australia vote to decide if federation should take place.

Constitution is sent to state parliaments

Sep 8, 1897

Final draft constitution is sent to the state parliaments. A federation bill is voted on – for or against.

People in colonies voted except QLD and WA on constitution

Jun 28, 1898

People in all the colonies except Qld and WA voted on the Constitution, but in NSW they did not agree to what was written and the vote failed.

Premiers met to amend the constitution

Mar 13, 1899

Premiers met to amend the constitution to satisfy Qld and NSW. All colonies agree except WA.

The Queen signs Australian constitution

Jan 19, 1900

Queen Victoria signs the Australian Constitution. WA votes yes.

New nation is born

Jan 1, 1901

The colonies become the Commonwealth of Australia and a new nation is born.