Sir John Quick was an important historical figure in Australia’s early federation period. Born on April 23, 1852, in Cornwall, England, and passing away on June 17, 1932, in Melbourne, Australia, Quick was a prominent Australian lawyer, politician, and one of the architects of the Australian federation.
Quick was a lawyer by profession, and he migrated to Australia in 1872, settling in the colony of Victoria. He quickly established himself as a respected legal practitioner. He became active in politics and played a key role in advocating for the federation of the Australian colonies into a single nation. Quick was a delegate to the Australasian Federal Convention, which drafted the Australian Constitution in the late 19th century.
He was a strong supporter of the federal movement and contributed significantly to the drafting of the Constitution. His legal expertise and attention to detail helped shape the framework of the Australian government. Quick, along with fellow delegate Sir Robert Garran, authored the book “The Annotated Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth,” which provided detailed explanations of the Constitution’s provisions.
In recognition of his contributions to the federation movement and his legal expertise, Quick was appointed as one of Australia’s first Senators when the Commonwealth Parliament was established in 1901. He served as a Senator for Victoria until 1913. Throughout his political career, Quick continued to advocate for important issues such as women’s suffrage and the establishment of the High Court of Australia.

John Quick
It’s a good idea to look at these 28 interesting facts about John Quick to know more about him.
- John Quick was born on April 23, 1852, in Polperro, Cornwall, England.
- He migrated to Australia with his family in 1872 and settled in Victoria.
- Quick initially worked as a teacher before pursuing a legal career.
- He studied law at the University of Melbourne and was admitted to the bar in 1877.
- Quick became known for his legal expertise and was involved in several high-profile cases.
- He played a significant role in advocating for the federation of the Australian colonies into a single nation.
- Quick was a delegate to the Australasian Federal Convention of 1897-1898.
- He was a member of the drafting committee responsible for creating the Australian Constitution.
- Quick was known for his attention to detail and his skill in drafting legal documents.
- Alongside Robert Garran, he co-authored “The Annotated Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth,” a book that explained the Constitution’s provisions.
- Quick was passionate about women’s suffrage and was a supporter of women’s right to vote.
- He was a member of the Victorian Women’s Suffrage Society and played a role in advancing women’s rights.
- Quick was one of Australia’s first Senators when the Commonwealth Parliament was established in 1901.
- He represented the state of Victoria in the Senate.
- Quick was a strong advocate for the establishment of the High Court of Australia.
- He believed in the importance of a strong federal government with defined powers.
- Quick was known for his eloquent and persuasive speeches in parliament.
- He served as the Minister for Home Affairs in the first federal Cabinet in 1901.
- Quick was instrumental in the creation of the Coat of Arms of Australia, designing the initial concept.
- He was a supporter of free trade and opposed high tariffs.
- Quick played a role in the establishment of the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology.
- He also contributed to the establishment of the Commonwealth Government Insurance Office.
- Quick retired from politics in 1913 and returned to his legal practice.
- He continued to write and speak about political and legal matters after his retirement.
- Quick was knighted in 1917 for his contributions to Australian politics and law.
- He passed away on June 17, 1932, in Melbourne, Australia.
- Quick’s legacy is commemorated through his role in shaping Australia’s Constitution and government.
- He is remembered as one of the founding fathers of the Australian nation, and his contributions continue to influence the country’s legal and political landscape.
Sir John Quick’s life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to shaping the course of Australia’s history. From his instrumental role in drafting the Australian Constitution to his advocacy for women’s suffrage and his contributions to various facets of governance, Quick’s legacy is one of intellectual acumen, principled leadership, and a deep dedication to the betterment of his nation. His attention to detail, eloquence in speech, and belief in the strength of a united federal government have left an indelible mark on Australia’s political and legal landscape. As a key figure in the early federation movement and a champion of democratic ideals, Sir John Quick’s influence reverberates through the corridors of Australian governance, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.