To what extent was the federation movement the main reason for the growth of national identity in Australia up to 1901?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the federation movement was the main reason for the growth of national identity in Australia up to 1901. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to role of Sir Henry Parkes, the so-called “father of federation”, including his famous Tenterfield Oration, in which he called for the federation of the colonies. The efforts of Parkes and others led to a federation conference in 1890 and a Constitutional Convention in 1891, events which led to an upsurge in Australian nationalism. Other relevant factors may be addressed, including the development of transport and communication (e.g. the telegraph) which engendered a more powerful sense of Australian identity, or examples of federation overseas (e.g. Canada) which had an influence on the Australian public, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.