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There seem to be a number of Australians, or posters knowledgable about Australian history, so I thought it would interesting to open the floor to debate about several "what-ifs" in 20th century Australian history.

1. Western Australia were the final colony to join the Federation and voted by referendum to secede in the 1930s. What if they stayed out, or were allowed to leave? If they don't join at 1901, do they join at a later date. If they leave in 1933, do we see another two countries lasting into the 21st century?

2. Around the same time, New Zealand were invited to join the Federation. (From sketchy memory, they were included in the proclamation signed by Queen Victoria) What if they join? What potential butterflies do we see concerning (ahem) sport? No Bledisloe Cup?

3. Frank Forde lost to John Curtin by one vote for the ALP leadership in 1935. How does this alter Australia in World War II? Do we see the UAP surviving past 1941? Does Australia still "look to America, free of pangs to our traditional kinship with Britain"? Does Forde ever get to unpack his bags in the Lodge, instead of the one week stint he served in OTL?

4. The 1961 election came down to a single seat, with the Liberal Party winning Moreton by 161 votes and maintaining government. But what happens if the ALP wins that seat, and a hung parliament ensues? Would Prime Minister Calwell go "all the way with LBJ"?

5. The Bradfield Scheme, designed to "drought-proof" the interior of Australia by diverting water from rainfall-rich northern regions into the endorheic Lake Eyre system through a series of dams, pumps and channels. It was dismissed as lacking scientific basis and also excessively expensive. But what if it was implemented?

6. Prime Minister Harold Holt survives the "swim that needs no towel" on December 17 1967. Does this butterfly away three Prime Ministers (McEwen, Gorton, McMahon)?

7. Robert O'Hara Burke and company arrive back at their Cooper Creek depot a day earlier than in OTL.

8. During the height of the Bodyline controversy, cables exchanged between the Australian Board of Control (for cricket) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (organising the English tour) could have potentially lead to the cancellation of the 1932-33 English tour of Australia. In OTL, the Australian officials withdraw their cable accusing England of "unsportsmanlike play" and life went on as normal. But what if Australia stands their ground and Jardine's men go home? What effect do we see on pre-WWII cricket, and the career of one D.G. Bradman in particular?

9. Captain James Cook and the Endeavour are lost at sea, wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef. (In OTL, the ship is repaired)

10. On January 24 1788, two days before the First Fleet formally established their settlement in Sydney Cove, the French explorer Jean La Pérouse arrives off Botany Bay on a scientific expedition. What if the French were more active in the region, and had actually claimed a portion of Australia? Is this ASB?

11. Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, is shot by an Irishman in Sydney in 1868 while on a royal tour. What if he passes away as a result of his injuries? Apart from the royal butterflies (Alfred becomes the reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1893), how does this change colonial relations?

12. Two IOC members at Monaco in 1993 change their minds and switch their votes. Beijing defeats Sydney for the right to host the 2000 Olympics. Does Australia bid again? Who hosts 2008?

13. Following on from that (and not strictly an Australian what-if) one single IOC member in Rome in 1949 has a change of heart. Buenos Aires, not Melbourne, becomes the first Southern Hemisphere city to host the Olympic Games. Following the failed coup and subsequent departure of Peron in 1955, what happens next for the hosts of the 1956 Olympics?

I think I'll stop there. Feel free to add your own!
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