Federation

Federation

1. AGAINST

   • Rivalry
     • NSW wanted free trade while VIC wanted protectionist trade policies
     • NSW wanted Sydney as the capital city while VIC wanted Melbourne
   • Travel between the colonies
     • Train tracks between the colonies were different widths
   • Smaller colonies
     • Unwilling as they believed larger colonies would dominate
   • Queensland and the South Sea Islanders
     • Federation aimed to keep Australia white. This would end Queensland's cheap labour.
   • British Tradition
     • Most felt obliged to remain loyal to Britain

2. FOR

   • Nationalism
     • Separate from the 'mother country', Britain and growth in national pride
   • White Australia
     • All colonies were keen to strengthen their immigration policies by uniting
   • Defense
     • Colonies had separate defence forces. A united defence had sounded appealing to all.
   • Economy/trade/resources
     • All colonies could combine their resources