Cabinet Sub-Committee for Commonwealth Celebrations

Full description

On January 1st, 1901 the Proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia was made. The Federal Government and the Commonwealth Parliament was to be based in Melbourne until a decision regarding the national capital was made. The State Opening of the Commonwealth parliament took place at the Exhibition Buildings Melbourne by the Duke of York on May 09, 1901.

For this event, for the Royal Visit and for associated celebrations and events the State Government took a large portion of responsibility as well as for the accommodation of the large number of official visitors and participants. To organise, coordinate and oversee these matters a Sub-Committee of the Cabinet was formed consisting of the Hon A J Peacock (Premier), Sir Samuel Gillott (Attorney-General), Hon W J Trenwith (Chief Secretary and Minister for Railways and Hon Mr McCulloch (Minister for Defence, Public Works and Health. Mr McCulloch was appointed as Chairman at the first meeting. Mr J Watson was seconded by the Speaker to act as General Secretary for the Committee.

The Committee needed to organise a week of events, to coordinate with the Governor-General who was responsible for the Royal Visit and the Federal Government as well as gaining the help and support of the City of Melbourne, other municipal bodies and community and cultural groups. A special allocation of funds had been made in order to cover the costs of the celebrations.