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Introduction
It took a long, slow 32 years to fully federate Australia, from the first suggestion of federation, to when the first Australian money was issued. At first, Many people didn't agree with the idea of federating the country, but in the end it was all worth it. -
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Conclusion
To conclude, over the years, there was conferences, constitutions, elections and competitions, that all led to the federation of Australia. Like a seed to a tree, the federation of Australia started with Sir Henry Parkes' suggestion of a national council that would resolve the countries largest problems. -
The First Step
The first 'step' on the long journey that was federation was taken in January 1881, in Sydney, at an inter-colony meeting held to discuss trading and customs issues such as 'Free Trade' and 'Protectionism' (putting tariffs on imorted goods to support local industries). However, Sir Henry Parkes' suggestion was not just to solve the problem between 'Free Trade' and 'Protectionism', but to completely unite the six colonies, to federate the whole country. -
The Federal council of Australasia
Another, smaller step towards federation was the strengthening of the bonds between Australia and its neighbouring islands. In December 1883 a meeting between all six Australian colonies, New Zealand and fiji was held in Sydney to form an Australasian council that would discuss international matters. The Queensland Premier, Samuel Griffiths began to write a list of guidelines to assist with the establishment of the Federal Council of Australasia. -
Sir Henry Parkes (The Father of Federation)
In 1889, Sir Henry Parkes formally announced that Australia needed and should form a national parliament and government. so a meeting was held to write a federal constitution (a list of rules or guidelines to help run the country) which was then sent to the other colonies for approval. Meanwhile, Henry Parkes was losing control of New South Wales and the idea of federation was no longer his biggest problem, Unfortunately, without the largest colony, the federation of australia could not proceed. -
The 1st meeting
The first official meeting in 1893 was called to discuss the federation of Australia, it was held in Corowa on the Murray river. The meeting was attended by Politicians from Victoria and New South Wales, business representatives from Melbourne, members of the Australian Natives Association Victorian branch and a lawyer from Bendigo, John Quick. -
The 1st Meeting Cont.
During the conference, John brought forward his plan: to restart the whole process so that New South Wales could be more involved, but, instead of the government electing representatives to attend the conferences, the public would elect them. -
John Quick's plan
The next meeting was held 2 years later in Hobart, to discuss John Quick's Plan. His plan was accepted by New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, however, Western Australia didn't quite agree, it still wanted to elect it's own delegates. Queensland couldn't decide at all and as a result was not represented in the next few meetings. -
The Constitution
In 1897, elections were held to select delegates to attend a meeting to write a federal constitution. The constitution was drafted over 3 sessions, one in Adelaide, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. The people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania voted twice. The first time they voted, all colonies voted 'yes' but New South Wales' vote wasn't strong enough. So the delegates made a change to the constitution and the vote was re-done. -
The Constitution Cont.
This time all colonies voted 'yes' again and New South Wales' vote was high enough . The constitution was then put forward to Queensland and Western Australia who both voted 'yes'. -
London
In 1899, the constitution was taken to London to be approved by the Brittish Parliament. The delegates who took the constitution had to do some debating but eventually, it was passed. Australia was officially declared a commonwealth on the 1st of January 1901 in Centennial Park, Sydney. -
a new flag for a new nation
Meanwhile, in Australia, a competition was held to design a flag that represented the new nation. Five people were declared the victors, Ivor Evans, Leslie John Hawkins, Eggbert John Nuttal, Annie Dorrington and William Stevens because their designs were so alike. They combined the winners' designs to create the Australian flag that we all know. It was first flown on the 3rd of September 1901 but was't the official flag until Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia and gave her royal approval. -
New Money
After federation, the government felt that it was it's responsibility to create it's own monetary system. Many types of money had been used in the past and they needed an official currency. The government named Thomas Samuel Harrison the first official note printer. It took him a whole year to set up the necessary equipment and print out the first Australian money. This money was based on the Brittish monetary system of 12 pence to a shilling and 20 shillings to a pound. It was issued in 1913.
