There are still six state Governors and one Governor-General. Australia is still a constitutional monarchy. No new states have been created. If people of the 1890s came back today, they would find much that is different, but also much that is familiar. The issues at Federation were about creating a new nation.
People have different views about what are the major issues.
However, there would probably be agreement that reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is central. Disparities in lifestyles and living conditions between urban, outer-suburban, and rural Australia are also a growing challenge. The size of Australia's population and its compatibility with environmental protection is rapidly becoming a significant issue for debate and is certain to heat up with the new century. Adapting to globalisation, while retaining Australia's cultural and political integrity, is a major issue that crosses over most others. The republican question will not go away, despite the defeat of the 1999 referendum.