This twenty cent piece was released by the Royal Australian Mint
in 2001 as part of their extensive program celebrating the Centenary of Federation. The piece commemorates the inclusion
of Queensland in the Australian Federation. The reverse was designed
by student Jenifer Gray from Ingham State High School. The design is based on the theme of a clock and tells the history
of Australia. The two hands of the clock point to the important dates of 1901 and 2001. Images around the clock include a
gecko, foot prints becoming shoe prints, and a chipboard representing the future. The student's initials JG have also been
integrated into the design. The denomination 20 is large and central, overlaying the design. The
obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the surrounding
legend
reads ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2001.
Initials of designer Jenifer Gray (JG) on the 2001 Proof (Queensland) Twenty Cent piece.
The coin was included in two sets issued throughout the year - the Queensland three coin set, and the twenty coin Centenary
of Federation collection. Each set was issued in both proof and uncirculated varieties.
The penal settlement in Brisbane was established in 1825 as part of the British colony of New South Wales.
(Museum of Australian Democracy, 2017)
The settlement was closed in 1839 and was prepared for permanent settlement. In 1859 Queensland was established as a
seperate self-governing colony. The colony developed quickly with the towns of Ipswich, Rockhampton, Maryborough, and Warwick
being established in 1860 and 1861.
(Queensland Government, 2017)
In 1889 the premier of New South Wales, Henry Parks, proposed the creation of a united Australian government. Queensland
was divided on the matter of Federation failing to participate in the Australasian Federal Conventions which drafted a final
Australian Constitution. The colony's parliament only agreed to a referendum on joining the Federation after it became clear
that New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia would be federating - regardless of Western Australia or Queensland's
decision. The referendum was held in 1899 with the colony deciding to join the federation with the narrowest margin of any
Australian colonies. On the 1st of January 1901 the new Australian federation was founded with Queensland a state.
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