5.1 Introduction

In 1901 the new nation of Australia was created.

Commonwealth parliaments from 1901 to 1914 passed many laws that affected the whole nation, and that are often described as creating ‘a working man’s paradise’. Is that an accurate description? How did the national laws that were passed influence the lives of people in Australia? What sort of Australia was being created? Did all people share in the improvements and benefits that the legislation was creating?

This investigation focuses on five Defining Moments and a case study that will help you explore and better understand what happened, and why.