Reasons for Australian Federation

In 1901, the six colonies of Australia federated as a nation. It was, however, a long process, as there were arguments against this idea including the self-interests of different colonies and the size of a new nation if it occurred. Several reasons for federation were considered, such as the need for a united defence force, the development of a uniform rail system, free trade between colonies and the growth of nationalism in each colony.

One of the key reasons for federation was to achieve a united defence force, which could protect Australia. In 1883, Sir Henry Parkes quoted, “If Australia could have spoken with one voice, New Guinea would have belonged to Australia” Around the 1880s, the Australian colonies had become increasingly concerned over the close proximity of foreign powers. A Russian presence in the Pacific, Germany occupying parts of New Guinea and France having colonised New Caledonia, left the colonies in fear that attempts may be made to invade Australia. At this time, each of the colonies had their own separate defence forces. Despite having employed the British Navy and each army having a military unit in nearly every town, a report made in 1889 by the British Army's major-general Sir J. Bevan Edwards indicated that the colonies did not possess enough men, arms or ammunition to provide adequate defence. The colonies evidently needed to federate to form an army strong enough to protect Australia.

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A significant argument in favour of federation was the need for a uniform rail system. In 1889, Mark Twain quoted, “Paralysis of intellect gave birth to that idea!” Despite developments in the railway system that allowed even remote areas to be reached by rail by the late 1800s, progress was ultimately restricted by each colony having a different rail gauge. Before each rail system was built, colonies operated independently of one another and connecting the tracks between them was never considered. As a result, the rail gauges of each colony varied. Without a uniform gauge, trains could not cross colonial borders. When trains were the main means of long-distance transport, having to change trains at the border of each colony was a great inconvenience for travellers. If the colonies federated, a uniform gauge would be developed, allowing trains to cross colonial borders.

The need for free trade between the colonies was another reason in favour of federation. During the 1860s, the Victorian government realised that goods from overseas and from other colonies were being produced at a cost that their own industries could not equal. It responded with a policy of protectionism that involved imposing tariffs on incoming goods, which made them more expensive than local goods. The New South Wales government was particularly opposed to tariffs. A number of people were also concerned that import taxes may discourage overseas companies from trading with Australia altogether. No import taxes would be imposed on goods sent across other states once Australia had federated.

The growth of nationalism towards the end of the nineteenth century was a considerable factor in securing a federated Australia. In 1891, Sir Henry Parkes said, “Aren’t we not one people…one destiny?” In the 1870s, the percentage of the non-Indigenous population born in Australia began to exceed the number born in the British Isles and thus people in each colony considered themselves as something other than British. The nation's current national anthem was first performed in 1878 and international sports such as cricket brought Australians closer together while the best players from each colony represented their country. People shared a strong sense of pride in being Australians.

An important argument used against federation concerned the size of the new nation if federation was to occur. Within this new nation, there would be vast distances between the capital cities. The main method of travel between capitals at this time was by sea, which made transport and communication between the colonies very difficult. Western Australia and Tasmania felt particularly isolated from other colonies and that federation would bring them further apart.

One of the most significant arguments against the idea of federation was that some colonies felt larger colonies would dominate the interests of smaller and distant colonies. In the 1890s, parliaments had already been established that promoted the interests of people in each colony and some argued that progress would be achieved more efficiently by different colonies. The trade union in particular believed that the interests of their workers would be better promoted by a colonial system as opposed to a federal system.

In 1901, the six colonies of Australia federated as a nation after considering their necessities for national development, which included a stronger defence force, uniform rail system and free trade between colonies. A sense of nationalism had also brought them closer together as a nation. This was, however, an enormous decision as the interests of other colonies and the size of a new nation made several colonies reluctant to federate. Although federation had its inconveniences, it also had qualities that proved vital to Australia’s development as a nation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.skwirk.com.au/p-c_s-1_u-97_t-238_c-797/for-and-against-federation-/nsw/hsie/australian-democracy/federation/

Skwirk Interactive Schooling, Red Apple Education LTD, 2010

http://www.curriculum.edu.au/cce/default.asp?id=9976

Australian Government, Education Services Australia, Curriculum Corporation, 2006

http://www.skwirk.com.au/p-c_s-14_u-127_t-349_c-1207/reasons-for-federation/nsw/reasons-for-federation/australia-to-1914/federation-and-australia-s-constitution

Skwirk Interactive Schooling, Red Apple Education LTD, 2010