The main figures involved in the Australian Federation included politicians and leaders such as Sir Henry Parkes, often referred to as the "Father of Federation," who advocated for uniting the colonies; John Quick, who played a crucial role in promoting the federation movement; and Sir Edmund Barton, who became Australia's first Prime Minister after federation in 1901. Other notable contributors included George Reid and Alfred Deakin, who were instrumental in the drafting of the Constitution and the establishment of the Commonwealth. Together, these leaders navigated the complex political landscape to achieve the unification of the Australian colonies.