Sir Edmund Barton (18th January 1849 – 7th January 1920), was the first prime minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. He was born in Sydney. From Fort Street Model School he completed his entry level education. He graduated with first-class honors from the University of Sydney.

Barton stood for the Legislative Assembly in the poll of the graduates in 1876 for University of Sydney. But was beaten by William Charles and was defeated again in 1877. He got his victory in 1879. From November 1880 to 1882, he became the member for Wellington.

In 1882, he became the youngest Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. He was only 33 years old then. He was appointed Attorney-General in George Dibbs's Protectionist government in January 1889. Meanwhile, he started a campaign to increase support for federation.

Barton was appointed Prime Minister on 1st January 1901. In September 1903, Sir Edmund Barton left Parliament. Barton died on 7th January in 1920 by heart failure.