What is federation?

Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901 when 6 British colonies—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania—united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. This process is known as Federation. The colonies became states and transferred some of their powers to the Australian Parliament.

 

A sepia-toned formal portrait of a group of men in formal attire.

Members of the Australasian Federation Convention, 1890.

National Library of Australia, AN14292110

Members of the Australasian Federation Convention, 1890.

A sepia-toned formal portrait of a group of men in formal attire.

National Library of Australia, AN14292110

Description

A sepia toned photograph of a group of men in formal attire in front of a portico of a building. Six men (including Edmund Barton, fourth from left in the top hat) are seated on chairs. Eight men stand behind. Henry Parkes is fourth from left and Alfred Deakin is sixth from left.