In 1889 an important step towards federation was taken by Sir Henry Parkes.
Sir Henry Parkes was elected president, and he moved a series of resolutions embodying the principles necessary to establish, on an enduring foundation, the structure of a federal government.
During his rule, which lasted till 1879, the Fiji Islands were annexed; telegraphic communication with England and mail communication with the United States were established; and the long series of political struggles, which prevented any administration from remaining in office long enough to develop its policy, was brought to an end by a coalition between Sir Henry Parkes and Sir John Robertson.
The survey using this fast, highly sensitive, system at Parkes is detecting one new pulsar for each hour of observation.
The Parkes Museum of the Sanitary Institute is in Margaret Street.
