From
humble beginnings, the Royal Australian Navy has grown into a
force to be reckoned with and, on March 1, will celebrate its
103rd birthday.
It was two months after Federation, on March 1, 1901, the naval
forces of the recently federated Australian States were transfered
to the control of the Commonwealth of Australia.
This date marks the establishment of a national navy.
Though a Federal institution, the newly created Commonwealth Naval
Forces continued to be controlled under the various Colonial Acts
and regulations until Parliament could create the necessary legislative
and administrative machinery.
The legal basis for the creation of the Navy comes from Section
51 of the Constitution.
On March 1, 1901 the states transferred their naval and military
forces and everyone employed in their connection to the Federal
Government.
