Nationhood
Federation referendum
29 April 1899
Voters approve the Australian Constitution and agree to become a nation.
The people approved the draft Australian Constitution in a series of referendums in 1899. By voting ‘Yes’ they agreed the colonies should federate – unite – to become a nation. Western Australia, concerned it might be disadvantaged by Federation, did not hold a referendum in 1899.
Referendums had also been held a year earlier. However, Federation had been defeated when New South Wales failed to get the required number of ‘Yes’ votes. A secret premiers’ conference agreed to several changes to the draft constitution, leading to a second series of referendums.
When it became clear Federation would proceed without them, Western Australia held a referendum in 1900 which resulted in an overwhelming ‘Yes’ majority. Australia was the first nation created by the people agreeing to a proposed constitution.
People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899.
State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589
People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899.
State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589
Description
A black and white photograph of a group of men, women and children (and a dog) gathered around the entrance of a low building. A sign reads 'Polling Booth Brisbane North'.