Delegates from each colony, and from New Zealand, decided on the name the ‘Commonwealth of Australia’. With Parkes as its president, the National Australasian Convention took place in Sydney in 1891. As New South Wales, New Zealand and, for a time, South Australia, did not join the Council, it dissolved in 1889.Ī commemorative Federation mug with portraits of Sir Henry Parkes and the Governor-General, Lord Hopetoun The Federal Council of Australasia was formed in 1885 to resolve intercolonial issues, including customs duties and defence. This provided most of the organisational and financial base for a number of Federation leagues, which formed later to work towards a united Australia. In 1880 the Australian Natives’ Association – made up of white men born in Australia – committed itself to Federation. In addition, matters of defence, foreign policy, immigration, trade, transport and national pride were growing in importance among the colonies. The colonies of New Zealand and Fiji were also part of Federation discussions. Problems caused by these differences led to discussions about the benefits of uniting as a nation, under a federal system of governance. Each colony had its own – often quite distinct – laws, railway gauge, postage stamps and tariffs. Invitation to the opening of the First Commonwealth Parliament at the Exhibition Building, MelbourneĪustralia in the late 19th century consisted of six self-governing British colonies that were subject to the British Parliament.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |