FEDERATION YES or NO?

INTRODUCTION:

On October 24th 1889 the "Father of Federation", Sir Henry Parkes, delivered his now famous oration from the steps of the School of Arts building in Tenterfield NSW. This speech called for:

"....a conference of Governments who must appoint a convention of leading men from all Parliaments. They would have the duty of devising a constitution to bring into existence a Federal Government with a Federal Parliament for the conduct of National business."

TASK:

You have been invited to be a member of the NSW Federation Committee. Your task is to research the main issues relating to federation and decide whether or not NSW should vote to join the proposed Commonwealth of Australia.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

1. How were the colonies governed before Federation?
2. What fears did the colonies have about Federation?
3. What was Federation and why was it important
4. Who were the main people involved in the push for Federation?

WHAT TO DO:

1. Print a copy of the summary sheet
2. Visit the following sites to collect and record information on the summary sheet.
3. You can also use the school library and/or town library
4. Analyse the information and make your decision as to whether NSW should join the Commonwealth of Australia.

USEFUL SITES The Federation Story Federation of Australia Federation History of Australia Leading Figures in the Federation Movement Centenary Of Federation - Resources Index

Sir Henry Parkes Edmund Barton

PRESENTATION:

You will present your findings and final decision in the form of an oral presentation. Remember to justify your reasons for making the decision that you did.

EXTENSION:

Consider the possibility that the Federation proposal had been defeated. In which ways would our life in Australia today be different? This can be included in your oral presentation.