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Today in History: Sir Henry Parkes urges Australian colonies’ federation

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On 24 October 1889, Premier Sir Henry Parkes delivered the Tenterfield Oration at the Tenterfield School of Arts, urging the six British colonies—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia—to unite as a federal Commonwealth. The speech sparked the movement that later created the nation of Australia.

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Story summary

On 24 October 1889, Premier Sir Henry Parkes delivered the Tenterfield Oration at the Tenterfield School of Arts, urging the six British colonies—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia—to unite as a federal Commonwealth. The speech sparked the movement that later created the nation of Australia.