What year did Australia become a federation?

Australia became a federation in 1901. Prior to this, it consisted of separate British colonies, each with its own government. However, there was a growing sentiment among the colonies to unite and form a single nation. After years of negotiations, consultations, and referendums, the Commonwealth of Australia was officially born on January 1, 1901. This federated Australia into six states, with a federal government established in Canberra. The federation was seen as a means to promote trade, defense, and a shared sense of national identity among the colonies, marking a significant milestone in Australia's history.