As would be expected, the first January editions of Australian newspapers in 1901 prominently featured the Federation of the states. Editorial opinion reflected the variety of reactions to the creation of this new nation.
Among other things the editors considered contemporary issues such as tariff protection versus free trade; canvassed the possibility of a 'greater' commonwealth; engaged in prescient discussion on the role of the Senate; and queried the extravagence of Federation celebrations.
Click on the links at the top or the bottom of this page to read excerpts from editorials in several Victorian newspapers.