Nationhood
Federation referendum
29 April 1899
Voters approve the Australian Constitution and agree to become a nation.
The people approved the draft Australian Constitution in a series of referendums in 1899. By voting ‘Yes’ they agreed the colonies should federate – unite – to become a nation. Western Australia, concerned it might be disadvantaged by Federation, did not hold a referendum in 1899.
Referendums had also been held a year earlier. However, Federation had been defeated when New South Wales failed to get the required number of ‘Yes’ votes. A secret premiers’ conference agreed to several changes to the draft constitution, leading to a second series of referendums.
When it became clear Federation would proceed without them, Western Australia held a referendum in 1900 which resulted in an overwhelming ‘Yes’ majority. Australia was the first nation created by the people agreeing to a proposed constitution.
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.