Timeline: 1901–1920
With Federation and the opening of Parliament, the new nation begins an eventful first two decades. During this time, Australia produces its first currency notes, like this £1,000 note.
1901
The new Constitution gives the Australian Government responsibility for banking and the issue of currency notes.
The Commonwealth of Australia comes into being. The first Federal Election is held. Edmund Barton becomes Australia's first Prime Minister.
1903
Women vote for Parliament for the first time and three stand for election.
1905
In the first decade after Federation, private bank notes continued to circulate as a paper currency.
1906
The world's first full-length feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, is screened in Melbourne.
1907
The Basic Wage is introduced (at £2/2/-).
1908
A site for the national capital is chosen, later to be called 'Canberra'.
1910
The Australian Notes Act 1910 is passed vesting authority to issue Australian notes in the Treasury.
As an interim measure the Government overprints private bank notes with the words 'Australian Note'.
In the first decade or so after Federation, rural and mining activities are a third of the economy. Wool and gold alone account for about 60 per cent of all exports.
1911
The first Federal Census is conducted.
1912
The Commonwealth Bank Act 1911 is proclaimed, establishing the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
1913
The first Australian currency note (10 shillings) is issued. Other denominations follow. The notes reflect the dependence of the Australian economy on rural and mining industries.
Canberra is named.
1914
Australia enters World War I. This period sees an upsurge in inflation and falling real incomes but unemployment is low.
1915
The Commonwealth Bank takes over the distribution of currency notes from the private banks and organises the first Australian war loan.
BHP Steel Works open in Newcastle.
Australian troops land at Gallipoli, Turkey.
1916
The Commonwealth Bank's new Head Office in Sydney is opened.
1917
The Transcontinental Railway is completed enabling trains to link the eastern and western states.
1918
The Australian population reaches 5 million.
World War I ends.
1919
The first flight takes place between England and Australia.
1920
The authority to issue currency notes is transferred from Treasury to the Australian Notes Board.
The Commonwealth Institute of Science and
Technology (later CSIRO) is established.
Qantas Airways begins operations.
