Edmund Barton
Prime Minister from 1901 to 1903
Federation was Edmund Barton’s ‘one great thing’. One of the key architects of Australia’s Constitution, Barton became the new nation’s first Prime Minister at a grand ceremony in Centennial Park, Sydney, on 1 January 1901.
Admired for his intellect and calm temper, Barton’s glowing eyes revealed a keen sense of humour, while his ample girth was evidence of a love of good food, fine wine and stimulating conversation. With a rich and engrossing voice, he commanded authority wherever he spoke.
In 1903 Barton resigned to become one of the three judges who founded Australia’s High Court.
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