How did the general public show support for Federation?
Thank you for your thoughtful question, Madeleine! The general public showed their support for Federation by joining Federation clubs, writing newspaper articles calling for the Australian colonies to join together and voting for it at a series of referendums on the draft bill to create the Commonwealth of Australia.
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 taken in 1899 of a group of people – mostly men, although there are some women and children (and a dog). They are gathered around the entrance of a polling booth, a sign above the entrance to the building reads 'Polling Booth Brisbane North'. Two constables stand at the door. The polling booth is set up for voters to have their say in a referendum on whether they approve the draft Australian Constitution.