(1849 - 1920)

Born in 1849, Barton entered politics in 1879 when he was elected to the legislative assembly of NSW as a member of the university. He would later become the speaker of the house (1883 - 87) and attorney general (1891 -95). He also become an avid federalist and would succeed Sir Henry Parkes in 1891, organising a nationwide campaign to result in the convention of 1897 - 98.

At the beginning of the twentieth century he was to lead a delegation to London to discuss a Commonwealth Bill, which would be passed and would result in Barton becoming the first prime minister, a post he would hold for two years before resigning in 1903. During his tenure he established a public service sector and a high court system. Following his resignation as prime minister, he became a high court judge for the next seventeen years. He had been appointed PC in 1901 and GCMG in 1902.

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