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Western Australia at the eleventh hour.
Western Australia initially did not wish to federate. It was guided by Premier and former explorer John Forrest, who held back on the agreement because he wanted to ensure the economic security of the state, given its distance from the more highly populated eastern states. Forrest believed that Western Australia's very distance from the rest of Australia's states would mean it would miss out on many of the trade benefits the eastern states would enjoy.
Western Australia itself was divided over whether or not it should federate, as the people of Albany wanted to be included as part of South Australia, rather than aligning themselves with Perth and Fremantle. Despite this, Forrest's 31 July 1900 referendum on whether the Western Australians wished to join the rest of the commonwealth was resoundly accepted throughout the state.
What else can I help you with?
Who began the idea of Australia becoming a federated country?
Sir Henry Parkes aka the 'Father of Federation'
Term that means to officially approve a document or idea?
The term is ratify.
What was Banjo Paterson's role in federation?
Banjo Paterson was a supporter of the Federation and wrote poems and articles advocating for a united Australia. He used his writing to promote the idea of a national identity and a unified government for the colony. His work helped to inspire and unite Australians during the Federation movement.
What did Henry Parkes do to help democracy?
Henry Parkes, known as the "Father of Federation," played a crucial role in working towards the establishment of a federated Australia. He advocated for a united Australia with a strong democratic government and promoted the idea of a federal system that would benefit all states. His efforts helped pave the way for the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, strengthening democracy in the country.
Did Henry parkes start the idea of federation?
no
How was Charles Kingston involved in Federation?
Charles Kingston was a prominent Australian politician and a key figure in the movement towards Federation. He served as the Premier of South Australia and was a strong advocate for the unification of the Australian colonies. Kingston played a significant role in the drafting of the Australian Constitution and actively promoted the idea of Federation through public speeches and political engagement. His efforts contributed to the eventual establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
What people played a role in federation?
Key figures in the Australian Federation include Sir Henry Parkes, often called the "Father of Federation," who advocated for unification; Edmund Barton, who became the first Prime Minister of Australia; and John Quick, a prominent supporter of the movement who introduced the idea of a referendum. Additionally, delegates from various colonies, including representatives from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, contributed to the drafting and negotiation of the Constitution. Their collaboration ultimately led to the Commonwealth of Australia being established in 1901.
When and how did Australia become a federation?
The Federation occured because it was just easier for Australians.Before federation each Australian colony (state) had its own government therefore having its own laws, defence force, railway lines, postage stamps,common trade (value of goods) etc. It caused several problems for people because if they had different railway lines you would have to stop the train where the railway lines changed and unload then load on another train. So it was simply easier to have one nation with the same laws etc. See the related question for more details on why Federation was considered a good idea.
How did Henry parks contribute to federation?
Henry Parkes, often referred to as the "Father of Federation," played a crucial role in advocating for the unification of Australia's colonies. He was a key proponent of the idea that a federated Australia would strengthen the region both politically and economically. His influential speeches, particularly the 1889 Tenterfield Address, called for a national convention to discuss federation, helping to catalyze the movement. Parkes also served as a delegate at the 1891 National Australasian Convention, further solidifying his legacy in the push for a united Australia.
Who decided federation was a good idea?
Sir Henry Parkes
Did South West Australia vote 'for' or 'against' Federation?
Southwestern Australia was the one region in Australia that was against Federation. There were fears that, being so far away, the residents would be largely left out of major issues affecting the rest of Australia, so they did not feel they stood to gain much from Federation. When it looked like Western Australia was going to refuse to join the Federation, the goldfields area considered separating from the rest of the colony and joining the eastern states. Western Australia held back from agreeing to join the federation as Premier and former explorer John Forrest wanted to ensure the economic security of the state, given its distance from the more highly populated eastern states. Western Australia itself was divided over the decision to join, as the people of Albany pushed to be included as part of South Australia, rather than aligning themselves with Perth and Fremantle. Despite this, Forrest's 31 July 1900 referendum on whether the Western Australians wished to join the rest of the commonwealth was resoundly accepted throughout the state. Even in Albany, 914 voted "yes" and 67 voted "no".
What was Australia like prior to federation?
It's hard to imagine in contemporary Australia, but prior to Federation each of the Australian colonies was more like its own country with customs houses, railway gauges and even their own military. It was neither natural nor inevitable that Australia would be federated, in fact it wasn't even a very popular idea. Only through the dedication and hard work of a small group of people did the colonies eventually come together to form a nation.
