2.1 The Background

Alfred Deakin (1856–1919) was born in Melbourne, Victoria. He was Australia's second prime minister. He believed that governments should try new ideas and improve the lives of Australians.

Deakin worked as a lawyer and a writer. He was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1879 and 1880. He introduced laws that improved conditions for workers in shops and factories. Deakin believed that the Australian colonies should join together (federate) and become one nation. He was a powerful speaker and gave many speeches in favor of Australia becoming one nation.

While Deakin was prime minister, old age pensions were started and Canberra was selected as the national capital. He was prime minister three times, his final term ending in 1910.