Australia became an independent nation on 1 January 1901, when the British Parliament passed legislation enabling the six Australian colonies to collectively govern in their own right as the Commonwealth of Australia. It was a remarkable political accomplishment that had taken many years and several referenda to achieve.
"Defining Moments - Federation." National Museum of Australia. 2018.
1891
First Constitutional Convention to draft a federal constitution
1893
First "people's convention" at Corowa
1897
Delegates elected to a representative Constitutional Convention
1898–1900
Referendums on the Constitution held in all colonies
1901
1 January – inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia
29–30 March – first federal election
9 May – opening of Commonwealth Parliament in Melbourne
1902
Commonwealth Franchise and Commonwealth Electoral Acts
1903
First federal election in accordance with Commonwealth law
Australian Electoral Commission, 2019.
"Eureka Stockade." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2019.
Image: https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/eureka-stockade
E 2014 6:05
Find out how hot weather, a murder acquittal, hotel fire, and monster meetings of upset diggers all played a role in the Eureka Stockade. This light hearted mock news report by the HNN (History News Network) team provides an easy to follow and entertaining look at this important event in Australian history.
E 2014 6:34
Living and working conditions on the gold field as well as the political and social situation at the time of the protest are all covered in this light hearted mock news report.
E 2014 4:16
Though often overlooked in the historical record, women played an important role in the Eureka Stockade. Join the HNN (History News Network) team to learn more about the significant contribution of Anastasia Hayes and other women on the gold fields at this time.
E 2014 7:12
In this mock news report, the HNN (History News Network) team recap the timeline of the Eureka Stockade, from the first Bakery Hill monster meeting to the sneak attack by police and troops that left 35 dead. In the second half, the team highlights the Eureka Stockade's short and long term impact on democratic rights and national identity in Australia.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ lives changed when Europeans arrived in Australia more than 200 years ago. The Europeans forced the Indigenous peoples to move off their land and to change their ways of life. Many Aboriginal people died defending their land. Many others died from diseases brought by the Europeans.
"Aboriginal Australians". Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018.
E 2012 13:58
For over 200 years, migration has been intrinsic to Australia's national identity. The final two segments of this video look at the migrant experiences of the British and Chinese, especially during the Gold Rush period.
