Henry Parkes delivers the Tenterfield Oration calling for Australian federation

Background. The Federation of Australia involved the union of six British self-governing colonies into the Commonwealth. In 1889, Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, advocated for this union. His speech at Tenterfield is widely recognized as a catalyst for the movement, leading to the Australasian Federal Conference of 1890 and the National Australasian Convention of 1891.

Speech Content. Parkes delivered the oration stating that the time had come for the colonies to consider Australian federation. The speech was prompted by earlier interactions, including a luncheon with Lord Carrington on 15 June 1889. The oration is considered a historic moment in the process of establishing federalism in Australia.

Aftermath. The Tenterfield Oration yielded a federal conference in 1890 and a Constitutional Convention in 1891. These meetings were the first of a series that led to the federation of Australia. The speech influenced the political landscape, though opposition from figures like George Reid and the Labor Party later emerged.