Deakin government (1905–1908)

Alfred Deakin (1856–1919) – a barrister, journalist and important Federation era politician – was born in Melbourne in 1856. He first entered the Victorian Parliament as a Liberal in 1879. He attended all the official federal conferences and conventions working towards federation of Britain's Australian colonies, and was skilled at brokering compromises. He played a significant part in shaping the Australian Constitution, and arguing the case for unity of the colonies. (left), the first Prime Minister of Australia, with Alfred Deakin, the second Prime Minister. Deakin was a fine orator and major player in the establishment of the institutions of Australian democracy, and served three times in the office of prime minister during the first ten years after Australia's federation. ==Background==

Alfred Deakin first became prime minister after Edmund Barton resigned to become a judge on the first High Court of Australia. The first Deakin government failed to pass any legislation in the newly formed Australian Federal Parliament. The Protectionists' shaky coalition with the Australian Labor Party did not long survive the December 1903 election, and by the resumption of Parliament in March 1904, the Deakin government had fallen, amid a dispute over a Labor Party amendment to the Conciliation and Arbitration Bill. ==In office==

• New Protection – made government support of Australian industries contingent on payment of a "fair and reasonable wage", later defined in the Harvester Judgment • Papua Act 1905 – formal acceptance of administration of British New Guinea and establishment of Territory of Papua • Judiciary Act 1906 – addition of two additional judges to the High Court • 1906 Australian Senate elections referendum (passed in every state and with 82.65% nationwide) • Quarantine Act 1908 ==Aftermath==