Steps to Federation

First Moves to Federation

1846

Governor, Sir Charles Fitz Roy, suggested that the colonies have a central body to co-ordinate their relationship with Britain.

Australian Natives’ Association formed

1867

It was formed to work towards co-operation between the colonies.

Railway

1883

From Sydney to Melbourne was completed, this became the symbol of Australian unity.

Henry Parkes Speech

1889

Parkes spoke in favour of some form of federation. His speech was very famous.

Parkes Lost

1891

After Parkes lost office in 1891, Edmund Barton and Alfred Deakin took over as the main champions of the movement.

Voted for Federation

1898

Referendums were held each state. The colonies voted overwhelmingly for federation, but the referendum failed in NSW.

Bill became Law

Jul 9, 1900

A delegation of colonial politicians went to London to discuss the Bill for federation with the British Parliament in March.

Australia became a Nation

Jan 1, 1901

The new nation of Australia was proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. 60 000 people gathered to watch the ceremony.

First Parliament Opened

May 9, 1901

The first parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia opened in Melbourne

NSW Government Gave Up Power

Jan 1, 1910

The NSW government ceded the Australian Capital Territory to the Commonwealth government.

Naming of Canberra

Mar 12, 1913

The city/capital was officially named Canberra (meeting place).