Australian Women's Suffrage

Australian women gained the right to vote gradually during the early 20th century. South Australia led the way in 1894, followed by Western Australia (1899), and then Queensland (1905). The Commonwealth Franchise Act of 1902 granted women the right to vote in federal elections and stand for Parliament, making Australia one of the first countries to do so. This movement was driven by activism, social reformers, and a broader push for gender equality. Women's suffrage in Australia marked a significant step toward political inclusion and laid the groundwork for ongoing advances in women's rights.