In 1900, the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia marked a significant turning point in the nation's governance. John Hope, the 7th Earl of Hopetoun, was appointed as the first Governor-General of Australia, a role that positioned him at the forefront of the newly federated nation's political landscape. Seeking to lay the foundations for strong local governance, Hopetoun appointed Sir William Lyne as the first Premier of New South Wales. Lyne was a prominent figure in colonial politics and was expected to lead effectively as the state integrated into the newly established Australian Federation. However, the political climate was challenging. The concept of a unified government was still new, and colonial loyalties and rivalries had not fully dissipated. Lyne, despite his enthusiasm, faced immediate opposition and a lack of cooperative support from the existing colonial politicians. His inability to persuade other leaders to join his government showcased the tensions inherent in this transition, as many were hesitant about relinquishing their colonial powers in favor of a federal system. This situation ultimately led to Lyne's resignation, a move later dubbed the 'Hopetoun Blunder.' The repercussions of this incident revealed the complexities of Australian politics at the dawn of federation, reflecting the ongoing struggles in melding different governance styles and local interests into a cohesive political framework.