Australian Constitution and Federation

The Australian Constitution is the single most important document in Australia’s history. It created the federal government and the states and made Australia a nation.

The original Constitution and other key documents related to the birth of the Australian nation are on public display in the National Archives in Canberra.

Discover why our Constitution matters to you

Seven reasons why our Constitution is important to you.

See the original in our gallery

View documents on display in our Federation Gallery.

Explore the Constitution for a Nation website

The story of the 10 tumultuous years (1890–1900) of the creation of the Constitution, the people, the conventions, the arguments, the passion and the politics that created your Constitution. 

Find documents about the birth of our nation

In the Archives you can find records and photographs relating to Federation and the early history of the nation.

See the Constitution online

The original Australian Constitution Act, passed by the British parliament in 1900, presented to Australia 90 years later.

Get to know our prime ministers

Explore the life and times of Australia's Prime Ministers

Listen to talks on the Constitution

Review a selection of podcasts, lectures and talks on the Australian Constitution

Vrroom into archives – records for students and teachers

A website that provides easy access to more than 800 items, perfect for student research and classroom use.

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Copyright National Archives of Australia 2012