Who did Edmund barton say 'Creating a nation requires the will of the people!' to?

Edmund Barton, Australia's first Prime Minister, expressed the sentiment that "Creating a nation requires the will of the people!" in the context of advocating for Australian federation. While he may not have directed this exact phrase to a specific individual, he aimed to inspire the Australian public and leaders during the debates surrounding the establishment of a unified nation in the late 19th century. His speeches and writings emphasized the importance of public support in achieving federation.