The Man Who Was ALMOST The First Prime Minister: The Hopetoun Blunder | AUSPOL EXPLAINED

January 1st, 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was created - but who was going to be the first Prime Minister? The choice seemed obvious to everyone except the person actually making it. This is the story of the Hopetoun Blunder, a political controversy where the first Governor-General of Australia wasn't sure what he was doing and caused the nation a load of confusion and one unlucky politician the impossible task of forming a caretaker government with only two weeks before the deadline of federation.
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Auspol Explained would like to acknowledge the Whadjuk Nyoongar people and their Elders as the owners and custodians of the Land that the episode was recorded and edited on. This Land was stolen and never ceded. It always was and always will be Aboriginal Land.

[@erickleefeld4883]

Why was there even a caretaker ministry before the first election? The governor-general (or really, the British Colonial Office) should’ve just coordinated with the state governments to hold the first election, and get the new parliament started.

[@AlexBaz143]

I’ve been waiting for this topic!

[@ozwunder69]

Hope used to be Governor of victoria early 1890s

[@vazak11]

Good to know our politicians have always been a clown show XD

[@Isaac-ho8gh]

Colonial governments for you.

[@akaelalias4478]

DFTBA!

[@popcornandpuddles]

this story is so interesting, so many twists and turns!

[@washipuppy]

Of course I knew who the first PM was - you've done a fun fact about him! and also there was that add a while back that means that I will NEVER forget the first PM, and always forget the second.