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1897 The First Session
First session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Adelaide to work towards a Federal Constitution. All colonies except Queensland attended. -
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Australian Federation Timeline
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2–24 September 1897 The Second Session
Second session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney. -
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20 January– 17 March 1898 The Third Session
Third and final session of the National Australasian Convention is held in Melbourne. Delegates agree on a draft Constitution. -
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29 January– 2 February 1899
The Premiers of all the six colonies meet in Melbourne to discuss changes to the proposed Constitution. Because it is a private meeting, it is called the OSecret Premiers' Conference. -
1900 The conference
A conference of State Premiers is held in Melbourne to support the delegates in London. The meeting confirms that the delegates' mission is to have the Constitution Bill passed in London in the form voted for by the Australian people. -
1901 Commonwealth
The Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. Edmund Barton is sworn in as first the Prime Minister. -
1901 Commonwealth Government
The Commonwealth Government takes control of a wide range of functions formerly exercised by the colonies, including military forces, postal and customs departments and immigration. -
1901 Adult men are allowed to vote
The first federal election is held. Adult men are allowed to vote in all States, but Aborigines and women can vote in some States only. -
1901 first Federal Parliament is opened
The first Federal Parliament is opened by the Duke of York (later George V) at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne. Federal Parliament meets in Melbourne until 1927 when the capital moves to Canberra. -
1901 Australia's new national flag
Australia's new national flag is flown for the first time. There were 32,823 entries in the competition for its design.