Date of Issue : 22 May 2000
Postmark : Perth WA 6000
Denomination : 2 x 45c and 2 x AU$1.50
Stamp Size : 26 mm x 37.5 mm (45c); 30 mm x 50 mm (AU$1.50)
Paper : Tullis Russell
Printing Process : Lithography
The Federation of Australia was the process whereby the six separate British self-governing colonies of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia agreed to unite and form the Commonwealth of Australia. The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act was passed on 5 Jul 1900 and Queen Victoria proclaimed the Commonwealth of Australia would come into existence on 1 Jan 1901. The Australian Commonwealth marked its 100th anniversary on 1 Jan 2001. Above stamps feature key documents and images from significant events leading up towards Federation – taking the vote (45c), waiting for the results (45c), The Fair New Nation, an allegorical illustration titled Birth of the Commonwealth (AU$1.50), as well as Queen Victoria (AU$1.50).