How Has Federation Helped The Australian Identity

By Curtis Byrum

How Federation Started

• In, 1872 the idea of being “Australian” started• People began to think it was a great idea for

defence, immigration and the economy• Henry Parkes (NSW Premier) convinced other

premiers to discuss “Federation” Henry Parkes

The AFC and NAC

• In 1890, the Australasian Federation Convention was held in Melbourne

• In 1891, the National Australasian Convention (NAC) was held in Sydney

The Constitution• Each colony sent 7 representatives to the NAC. • A draft constitution was made by a committee consisting

of Edmund Barton (NSW), Andrew Inglis Clark (TAS), Samuel Griffith (QLD), Charles Kingston (SA).

• Queensland and Western Australia didn’t believe in federation at that time, therefore they didn’t send any representatives.

The New Constitution

• In 1898, there was changes made to the constitution

• The new constitution was formed by Edmund Barton, John Downer and Richard O’Conner

The New State

• During Federation a new territory was made this became the capital of Australia - Canberra

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900

• British Parliament had to make a new law for ”Federation” because they were making the major laws of Australia

• In,1900 a delegation of five plus a observer from Western Australia took the draft to London and was signed by Queen Victoria

• The Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed and the first Prime Minister of Australia was Edmund Barton