Analysing the article

This article is useful for teaching media literacy. It presents itself as a fact-check of the Anti-Federal Party’s arguments, but it also strongly asserts The Bulletin’s own views.

Use the following questions to guide student analysis:

Historical context

Understanding the context helps students assess the reliability and motives behind the article.

• Federation was first discussed in the 1850s. Britain supported the idea, especially after Canada’s successful federation in 1867.
• The Federal Council of Australasia was created in 1885 but had little power.
• Federation gained momentum after Sir Henry Parkes’s Tenterfield Address in 1889.
• A series of conventions between 1891 and 1898 developed a draft Constitution Bill.
• Referenda were held in the colonies. New South Wales initially voted only narrowly in favour. After further amendments, all colonies except Western Australia voted again in 1899, with WA joining in 1900.
• The Constitution Bill received Royal Assent in March 1900, and the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed to begin on 1 January 1901.

About The Bulletin

• One of Australia’s longest-running magazines (1880–2008).
• Its political and social views shifted over time with changes in ownership and editorial leadership.
• Early editions were known for nationalist, anti-British, and often racist views. The slogan “Australia for the white man” appeared prominently.
• Influential contributors included Miles Franklin, Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson.
• Over time, it became more conservative and lost relevance until a relaunch in the 1960s, when it took a more inclusive and progressive direction.
• It closed in 2008 due to declining readership in the digital era.