At
the time of Australia's Federation on 1 January 1901, Melbourne was
specified as the temporary seat of government. The first Federal
parliament was convened on 9 May 1901 in the Royal Exhibition Building.
In 1927, the Federal parliament was moved to the planned city of
Canberra, however the Governor General of Australia remained at
Government House until 1930 and many major national institutions
remained in Melbourne well into the 20th Century .
Melbourne was the Allied Pacific Headquarters from 1942 to 1944 as General Douglas MacArthur established Australia as a launch base for Pacific operations. During World War II, Melbourne industries thrived on wartime production and the city became Australia's leading manufacturing center.
Melbourne was the Allied Pacific Headquarters from 1942 to 1944 as General Douglas MacArthur established Australia as a launch base for Pacific operations. During World War II, Melbourne industries thrived on wartime production and the city became Australia's leading manufacturing center.
