The Federal Council of Australasia was a short-lived political organization that existed from 1885 to 1890. It was established in response to the growing need for inter-colonial cooperation in the Australian colonies, which were at the time separate entities under the British Crown. The Federal Council was the first attempt to create a unified political body for the Australian colonies, and it laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.

The Federal Council of Australasia was composed of representatives from the six Australian colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The Council met regularly to discuss matters of common interest, including trade, defense, and immigration. It also served as a forum for the colonies to coordinate their policies and work together to address issues that affected them all.

Despite its important role in promoting inter-colonial cooperation, the Federal Council of Australasia faced significant challenges from the outset. The Council had no legislative power, and its decisions were not binding on the individual colonies. Moreover, the Council was plagued by political tensions and disagreements, particularly between the larger colonies of New South Wales and Victoria.

In 1890, the Federal Council was dissolved and replaced by the Federal Convention, which was tasked with drafting a constitution for a federal Australian nation. The Convention met over several years and ultimately produced a draft constitution that was approved by the Australian people in a series of referendums. In 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was established, marking the end of the Federal Council of Australasia and the beginning of a new era of federalism in Australia.

Established in 1885, it represented a tentative step towards Australian federation. It was a body composed of representatives from various Australian colonies, New Zealand, and Fiji, designed to address common concerns and legislate on matters of shared interest, such as defence, fisheries, and extradition.
While lacking executive power and not including all colonies (notably New South Wales initially), the Federal Council provided a platform for inter-colonial dialogue and cooperation. Its existence demonstrated a growing awareness of shared regional identity and the potential benefits of unified action, foreshadowing the eventual formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.

The Council’s activities, though limited, helped to pave the way for future constitutional conventions and ultimately contributed to the federal movement. Despite its short lifespan, the Federal Council of Australasia played an important role in the history of Australia. It demonstrated the need for inter-colonial cooperation and helped to pave the way for the eventual creation of the Australian federation. The Council’s legacy can still be seen today in the ongoing efforts to promote cooperation and coordination between the various states and territories of Australia.

The photograph shows colonial delegates to the Australasian Federation Conference held in 1890.

Back row, left to right: A Inglis Clark (Tasmania); Captain Russell (New Zealand); Sir Samuel Griffith (Queensland); Sir Henry Parkes (New South Wales); T Playford (South Australia); Alfred Deakin (Victoria); DS Bird (Tasmania); GH Jenkins (conference secretary).

Seated, left to right: W McMillan (New South Wales); John Hall (New Zealand); JM Macrossan (Queensland); Duncan Gillies (Victoria); John Cockburn (South Australia); James Lee Steere (Western Australia).