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Henry Parkes' Speech
In his speech he urges the leaders and citizens of each of the colonies to come together and form a federation of Australia. Henry Parkes,creates the image of federation to Australians. Without this Oration, Australia may not have been federated.Henry wanted the leaders of the colonies to unite and form a government.He believed that the leaders should cooperate to help the movement towards federation. Following his speech, the rulers of the colonies agreed to an informal meeting. -
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Session One- National Australasian Conference
As decided,representatives met for a conference. There,Parkes emphasised the British Heritage that everyone shared by stating, “The crimson thread of kinship that runs through us all.”The fact of a rapidly rising population and wealth was acknowledged by the 13 representatives of Australia and NZ. Which was said,“to an extent which justifies the union of these colonies.”As a result of this meeting it was clear that they would meet again to talk over a possible set of federal rules. -
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Economic Depression 1
During these years the continent falls under an economic depression.This is begun after banks and properties in Victoria collapse,signalling aggravating consequences for the decision of forming of a federation in Australia. As a majority of banks were closed it was a severe time for all colonies involved with the economic depression, these were all states except for Western Australia. (exact date unknown) -
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Economic Depression 2
As many parliaments struggled with the weight of the dilemma at hand, the thought of federation was almost forgotten, only alive by the ANA, which was the Australian's native association. Founded in Melbourne, was a society for men in all colonies of Australia and the AFL. -
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2nd Session of the national Australasians Conference
Second Session: Held in Sydney, Parliament House
During this session the representatives talked over the 286 proposed alterations. The power of the senate was discussed between them, it's powers regarding money bills and the distributions to crack the deadlock connecting the houses. As this was the second session, they decided at this convention that another session would be held the next year in Melbourne. -
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3rd Session of the National Australasians Conference
Third Session: Held in Parliament House, Melbourne
This would be the final session of the convention, held in Melbourne in 1897. At this meeting the delegates decided on a draft constitution, the convention bill. Which is formed on a modified update of the 1891 constitution. After this decision Australia became the second country in History. (Switzerland being number one) Asking the electors in each of the states (colonies), to take this proposal to the people, a referendum -
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Covert Premier Meeting
The premiers,in Melbourne, constitution.All premiers from Australia inclusive of QLD who hadn't shown at a premiers conference of late 1895.They agreed to see to setting a capital,which would mean NSW would be capitalised,however not surrounding 100 miles of the colony of Sydney.Another date in 1899 was the referendums held in four states.At this referendum much of the population voted towards the constitutional bill.And then later in September,Queensland voted in favour of the bill. -
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1900- The Commonwealth Constitutional Act
A crowd of representatives,delegating each of the colonies,travels to the city of London,Britain,to introduce the constitution to the Parliament of Britain.Then later on July 5th,the British Parliament passes this commonwealth constitutional act.On this day we travel one step closer to a federated Australia.
(See the rest of this paragraph on 1900- The Commonwealth Constitutional Act 2) -
1900- The Commonwealth Constitutional Act 2
Four days later,the commonwealth act is shown to queen Victoria,where she agrees to sign the commonwealth constitutional act.Following this monumental event in the lead up to Federation,WA holds a referendum.Where masses of the population voice their support for the act. -
Centennial Park Proclamation.
In this historical event,many gather in the Centennial Park,Sydney. here they proclaim the Commonwealth of Australia.Letters Patent were read and the Governor-General's Commission read out also. At this turnout nine people of the Federal Interim ministry were guaranteed in and Edmund Barton Prime Minister.This was important in History as the country was made a federation,meaning no more seeing the country as colonies.No more transport taxes.Australia would be seen as a united country. -
The Powers of the Commonwealth
In March the Commonwealth took charge of functions once used by the colonies.These functions;Military Forces,postal and customs also immigration.Now that Australia had become a commonwealth they were able to legislate with respect towards the trade.They also had much more power over the states, some functions they had control of was the federal public service and the territories,the defence and the railways.They had control over many more functions in the country.(only year and month supplied) -
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First Federal Election
This election was a very important, as it was the first Federal Election and because mostly everyone was able to vote for what they believed. In SA, NSW, VIC, TAS, Aboriginal Australians were given the chance to have their say. Also in SA and WA women were able to vote alongside voting men. This was due to a clause in the Constitutional act. The clause states that people are able to vote for the lower house of their State Parliament. -
First Federal Parliament
Federal Parliament was established on this day.The Duke of York,later King George V,opened the federal Parliament, first in Australia.The Parliament was opened in the Exhibition Building,Melbourne.Federal parliament then continued to meet in the Parliament house in Melbourne.Melbourne was not only home to the first federal Parliament,Several departments were also situated in this city.These included,The Prime Minister's (Edmund Barton-1903), Attorney General's,External Affairs, treasury & More
