Nationhood
Australasian Federation Conference
06 February 1890
Delegates from each colony meet and decide they want to unite as one nation.
In 1890 delegates from each of the colonial parliaments of Australia and New Zealand met at the Australasian Federation Conference in Melbourne to consider whether the colonies should unite to become a nation.
The delegates were leading politicians of the time and included the Premier of New South Wales, Sir Henry Parkes, who was a strong federation advocate. He put forward the motion for the colonies to unite: 'That, in the opinion of this Conference, the best interests and the present and future prosperity of the Australasian Colonies will be promoted by an early union under the British Crown.'
There was vigorous debate between the delegates, especially in relation to trade and tariffs. However, by the end, they agreed that the interests of the colonies would be best served by uniting as one nation. They also committed to persuading their governments to send delegates to a future convention which would frame a federal constitution.
Members of the Australasian Federation Conference, 1890.
National Library of Australia, AN14292110
Members of the Australasian Federation Conference, 1890.
National Library of Australia, AN14292110
Description
A sepia-toned photograph of a group of men in formal attire in front of a building portico. Six men (including one wearing a top hat) are seated on chairs. Eight men stand behind. Henry Parkes is fourth from left and Alfred Deakin is sixth from left.
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