Edmund Barton

Barton was a leading figure in the federation movement, chairing the 1897-1898 Australasian Federal Convention. He campaigned for the 'Yes' vote in the 1899 referendum and later led the delegation to London to secure the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

Edmund Barton was sworn in as the first Prime Minister of Australia on January 1, 1901, following the federation of the Australian colonies. He led the inaugural federal government and oversaw the establishment of national institutions.

Barton's government passed the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, which implemented the White Australia policy. The act used a dictation test to restrict non-European immigration, a policy that remained in place for decades.

Barton resigned as Prime Minister on September 24, 1903, to become one of the inaugural justices of the High Court of Australia. He served on the court until his death in 1920, shaping early Australian constitutional law.