The opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia at the Melbourne exhibition building

Ceremony of the opening of Commonwealth Parliament at the Melbourne exhibition building.

About this record

The ceremony was held in Melbourne’s exhibition building. Parliament did not open in Canberra, Australia’s new capital, until 9 May 1927.

Related themes

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The Federation Kiosk, Centennial Park, Sydney at the Proclamation of Federation.

Federation

The colonies came together in 1901 to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Early legislation in the new parliament reflected matters of national interest such as immigration, taxes and the postal system.

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The Duke of York (later King George V) opening the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in the Exhibition Building.

Parliament and elections

Parliament is where laws are debated and enacted. People interact with the parliament by voting for their representatives at elections.

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Gough Whitlam - Addressing the National Press Club.

Prime ministers and politicians

Discover records about past prime ministers and politicians and the major events and policies of their governments.

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