Deakin government (1903–1904)
Deakin government (I) confidence motion | |
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Predecessor | Barton government |
Successor | Watson government |
The First Deakin government was the second federal executive government of the
Background
The
Alfred Deakin
Alfred Deakin (1856–1919) – a barrister, journalist and important Federation era politician – was born in Melbourne in 1856. He first entered the Victorian Parliament as a Liberal in 1879. He attended all the official Federal conferences and conventions working towards federation of Britain's Australian colonies, and was skilled at brokering compromises. He played a significant part in shaping the Australian Constitution, and arguing the case for unity of the colonies.[2]
Deakin was a fine orator and major player in the establishment of the institutions of Australian Democracy, and served three times in the office of Prime Minister during the first ten years of Australia's Federation.[3]
Term of office
Alfred Deakin became Prime Minister after Edmund Barton resigned to become a judge on the first
The first Deakin government failed to pass any legislation in the newly formed Australian Federal Parliament. The Protectionists' shaky coalition with the Australian Labor Party did not long survive the December 1903 Election, and by the resumption of Parliament in March 1904, the Deakin government had fallen, amid a dispute over a Labor Party amendment to the Conciliation and Arbitration Bill.[4]
Aftermath
The early years of Federation saw a volatile political environment. The first Deakin government ended on 27 April 1904, making way for the first Australian Labor Party government of Australia, led by Chris Watson. In August that year, the Protectionists split with radical liberals, Isaac Isaacs and William Lyne, aligning with the Labor Party against the Free Trade Party of George Reid.[4]
See also
References
- ^ R. Norris. "Deakin, Alfred (1856–1919)". ADBonline.anu.edu.au. ADBonline.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
- ^ "Deakin, Alfred (1856–1919)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University.
- ^ Alfred Deakin National Archives of Australia Archived 12 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c Australia's PMs > Alfred Deakin > In office National Archives of Australia Archived 12 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine