The immigration issue was used on both sides of the argument. Supporters of federation argued that a central government could make uniform immigration laws to keep non-white people out of the whole country. They also pointed out that a single Australian nation could have one large defence force, which would be better able to protect the continent than six small defence forces.
As well as the advantage of a single defence force, the federation supporters argued that a federal government could control postal and rail services, which would make services uniform across the country. This would make those systems more effective.
Supporters of federation believed that a strong central government would be more effective in helping the Australian colonies overcome a recent drought and an economic depression.
Supporters highlighted, at the same time, the common British heritage of the mainstream populations of each colony and the growing independence of each colony from the 'mother country'. They wanted federation to cement this independence but made it clear that the new nation would remain part of the British Empire.
As well as the advantage of a single defence force, the federation supporters argued that a federal government could control postal and rail services, which would make services uniform across the country. This would make those systems more effective.
Supporters of federation believed that a strong central government would be more effective in helping the Australian colonies overcome a recent drought and an economic depression.
Supporters highlighted, at the same time, the common British heritage of the mainstream populations of each colony and the growing independence of each colony from the 'mother country'. They wanted federation to cement this independence but made it clear that the new nation would remain part of the British Empire.