-
1st
29 September Governor FitzRoy of New South Wales in a despatch suggested the need for a 'central intercolonial authority' -
Period: to
federation
time span of federation -
2nd
Earl Grey proposed a central legislative authority -
3rd
Australian Colonies Government Act passed by British Parliament -
4th
Victoria separated from New South Wales -
5th
Van Diemen's Land renamed Tasmania -
6th
Select Committees in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia held to discuss the possibility of a federal union -
7th
On the same day the Governor announced the personnel of the first Government under the new Constitution, led by the Hon. B. T. Finniss. The first bicameral Parliament of South Australia met on Wednesday, 22 April 1857. -
8th
Queensland separated from New South Wales -
9th
Inter colonial Conference of Treasurers held in Melbourne to discuss uniform tariffs and customs -
10th
Union of the Canadian dominions -
11th
British troops withdrawn -
12th
Australian Natives Association established -
13th
Overland telegraph lines completed between Adelaide and Darwin -
14th
Australian Colonies Duties Act passed by British Parliament -
15th
Britain was defeated in the first cricket test by a team from Victoria and New South Wales -
16th
The Sydney to Melbourne rail link was completed. -
17th
Germany annexed north east new guinea. it was thought that a single nation would have a stronger defence force and would be better able to defend itself. -
18th
sir Henry Parkes made a stirring speech in favour of federation at Tenterfeild NSW. -
19th
the Australian federation conference met in Melbourne, and agreed to call a constitutional convention. -
20th
The first National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution. -
21st
A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. -
22nd
South Australian women gain the right to vote. -
23rd
A special premier's conference agrees to hold a new federation convention. -
24th
A second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for another federation convention. -
24th
The death of Henry Parkes -
25th
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution. -
26th
Referendums are held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is endorsed by all but New South Wales. -
27th
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting and agree to several changes to the constitution.
Between April and July referendums are held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania at which a majority vote 'yes' to the bill. In September Queensland voters endorse the constitution. -
28th
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament.
On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution. -
29th
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliament.
On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution.
