Memorabilia and commemorative wares for the Australian Federation, 1901

The Australian Federation was established on January 1, 1901, marking the official union of the six colonies of Australia: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The federation was the result of decades of political and social debate, and it marked a significant milestone in the country's history.

The process of federation began in the 1890s, when a series of constitutional conventions were held to draft a constitution for a united Australia. The final version of the constitution was approved in 1899 and was subsequently put to a series of referendums in each of the colonies. The referenda were successful, and on January 1, 1901, the Australian Constitution came into effect.

Under the new constitution, Australia became a federal parliamentary democracy, with a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The constitution also established a federal system of government, with certain more... powers delegated to the central government and others retained by the states.

The first federal election was held in March 1901, and the newly-formed Commonwealth Parliament met for the first time in May of that year. The first Prime Minister of Australia was Sir Edmund Barton, who led a coalition of parties known as the Protectionist Party.

The establishment of the Australian Federation had significant implications for the country's economy, politics, and social structure. It marked the beginning of a new era of national unity and cooperation, and it paved the way for significant reforms in areas such as education, healthcare, and labor relations. less...