24 Oct - Parkes' Tenterfield Oration. All six colonies have representative government. They meet regularly to discuss matters of concern. Throughout the 1890s with its economic downturns, labour unrest and severe drought, 'federation' waxes and wanes. The Australasian Federation Conference, Melbourne.
Delegates decide to call a Constitutional Convention.
A constitution is drafted, which provides the basis for all subsequent redrafting. Henry Parkes makes his 'One People One Destiny' speech. The Convention adopts the draft Constitution. The impetus to federation is stalled by the lack of a legislative process and the colonies' concerns about their own status and autonomy within a federation. Popular support for federation is evident through the formation of Federation Leagues.