FEDERATION

'A Nation for a Continent and a Continent for a Nation'

Timeline of Events to Federation

Below is the timeline of events leading up to the Federation on 1 January 1901. Click here to get further information about the Federation of Australia from the Australian National Library Pandora Archives.

1846

Governor Fitzroy of New South Wales makes the first noted suggestion of the need for an inter-colonial authority.

1863

First intercolonial conference held in Melbourne.

1883

Henry Parkes' proposal for a Federal Council agreed to by intercolonial conference in Sydney.

1885

British Parliament passes Federal Council of Australasia Act.

1889

Parkes' Tenterfield speech calling for constitutional convention.

1891

National Australasian Convention in Sydney drafts 'Bill to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia'.

1896

People's Federal Convention at Bathurst (NSW) provides forum for ordinary citizens to discuss the Constitution Bill of 1891.

1897-8

Second National Australasian Convention prepares revised draft constitution.

1898-9

Referendums held in all colonies (except Western Australia).

1900

• March - A delegation of Australians sent to London to negotiate enactment of the Bill.
  
  
• 05 July - British Parliament passes Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
  
  
• 09 July - Queen Victoria gives Royal Assent to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
  
  
• 31 July - Western Australia votes to join the federation.
  
  
• 29 October - Queen Victoria issued Letters Patent constituting the Office of Governor-General and also presents the Letters Patent to Australia's first Governor-General, Lord Hopetoun.
  
  
• 17 September - Queen Victoria issued a Royal Proclamation which declared:
  
  

  On and after 1 January 1901, the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia shall be united in a Federal Commonwealth under the name of the Commonwealth of Australia.

1901

• 01 January - an official ceremony inaugurates the Commonwealth of Australia.
  
  
• 20 March - the first federal elections are held.
  
  
• 09 May - the first Commonwealth Parliament meets at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.
  
  

Click here to get further information about the Federation of Australia from the Australian National Library Pandora Archives.