jul 1, 1851 - AHE: Eastern Australia Founded

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“The colony of New South Wales has undergone a major constitutional reform, becoming the first federated colony in the British Empire. The federation of New South Wales was approved by a referendum held on 1 July 1851, with a majority of 62% in favour. The federation divided the colony into three provinces: Sydney, Port Phillip and Moreton Bay, each with its own elected legislature and executive council. The federation also created a central government, consisting of a governor-general, a legislative council and a legislative assembly, responsible for matters of common interest such as defence, trade, immigration and taxation. The federation was seen as a way to balance the interests and aspirations of the different regions of the colony after rejection of establishing a southern colonial administration."

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