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Sir Henry Parkes
Sir Henry Parkes makes a speech in Tenterfield to urge colonies to federate. -
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Economic depression
Economic depression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation. -
The Australasian Federation Conference
The Australasian Federation Conference urges colonies to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia -
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The First National Australasian Convention
It was held in Sydney to draft a constitution -
A People's Conference
A people's conference in Corowa, New South Wales, urges the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. -
A special premiers conference
A special premiers' conference agrees to hold a new federation convention. -
Second people's conference
Second people's conference in Bathurst, New South Wales, renews calls for federation convention. -
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The second National Australasian Convention meets
The second National Australasian Convention meets in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution. -
Referendums are held
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. -
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting
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. -
In March a delegation travels
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. -
On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed
On 1 January the Commonwealth of Australia is proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney. On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held. On 9 May the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opens the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.