How did Barton become the first Prime Minister of Australia?

How did Barton become the first Prime Minister of Australia?

He had been a member of the Parliament of New South Wales for 20 years, and had served terms as Speaker of its Legislative Assembly, Attorney-General and Leader of the Opposition. Barton had worked on Federation for 10 years, and became Australia’s first Prime Minister because the supporters of Federation trusted him.

What role did Lord Barton play in the federation movement?

Barton was an early supporter of the federation of the Australian colonies, and after the retirement of Henry Parkes came to be seen as the leader of the federation movement in New South Wales. He was a delegate to the constitutional conventions, playing a key role in the drafting of a national constitution,…

Why did Lord Barton retire from politics?

Barton won the federal seat of Maitland West in the March 1901 election. Barton’s health deteriorated towards the end of his period in office and on 24 September 1903 he announced his retirement from politics to become a judge on the newly created High Court.

What did Lord Barton believe about free trade?

Barton had become a firm believer in the need to create one nation, to federate the colonies. The issue of free trade divided New South Wales from Victoria, which supported protection of their industries by imposing tariffs on imported goods. Barton abandoned free trade and stood on a protectionist platform against George Reid.

What was the name of the government of Sir Robert Barton?

Barton’s government consisted of himself as Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs, Alfred Deakin as Attorney-General, Sir William Lyne as Minister for Home Affairs, Sir George Turner as Treasurer, Charles Kingston as Minister for Trade and Customs, Sir James Dickson as Minister for Defence,…

What happened to Lord Barton of Australia?

That afternoon, Barton tendered his resignation to the Governor-General. Barton was appointed as one of the founding justices of the High Court of Australia. On 7 January 1920, while holidaying at the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains, Barton died, aged 71.

Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia in 1901?

Edmund Barton Edmund Barton became Australia’s first Prime Minister on New Year’s Day 1901, at a huge public ceremony in Centennial Park in Sydney. Barton was certainly qualified for his new job.

What did Barton do for Australia?

When Clark succumbed to influenza, Barton became a member of the drafting committee, and ‘strenuously and industriously’ devoted himself to its work, winning the praise of its chairman Sir Samuel Griffith. He soon had to uphold the draft constitution bill against (Sir) George Reid, who maintained that certain clauses were unfair to New South Wales.

Where did ededmund Barton go to school?

Edmund, known as Toby to his schoolmates, was educated at Fort Street Model School for two years and in 1859-64 at Sydney Grammar School, where he began a lifelong friendship with Richard O’Connor, and was school captain in 1863 and 1864. In 1865 Barton matriculated at the University of Sydney.

When did Barton become Speaker of Parliament?

On 3 January 1883 Barton became Speaker. In a turbulent parliament, he displayed a sound knowledge of constitutional law and T. E. May’s British Parliamentary Practices.