Australia"s First Prime Minister

Australia's first Prime Mnister was appointed in 1901, the year of Australian federation, after the Australian Federal Parliament officially opened in Melbourne.

Appointed Prime Minister of the newly-federated Commonwealth of Australia was Sydney-born Edmund Barton, strong supporter and campaigner for federation.

In 1902 he was created Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) and acquired the title of Sir.

Edmund Barton resigned as Australian Prime Minister in 1903 and was then appointed to the High Court of Australia.

Edmund Barton died of heart failure in the Blue Mountains in 1920, just 11 days before his 71st birthday.

Edmund Barton

• Born January 18, 1849
• Died January 7, 1920