Q: When was the Commonwealth of Australia formed?
- 1st January 1901
Federal government
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It consists of Upper House (or Senate) and a Lower House (House of Representatives).
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The Prime Minister is the head of government. (the current prime minister since 2022 is Anthony Albanese)
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The Governor-General of Australia is His Majesty The King’s representative.
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In practice, the Governor-General is Australia’s Head of State and have a range of constitutional and ceremonial duties.
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The current Governor-General (since 2019) is David Hurley.
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Various ministers are responsible for specific portfolio (eg. health, education, defence, foreign affairs, trade).
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Cabinet: a group of senior ministers for decision making.
State vs territory
- The main difference between state and territory parliaments is where they get their powers to make laws.
- Each state has their own [[The constitution||constitution]] which lists the powers of that state’s parliament, including the ability to make laws. The territories do not have their own [[The constitution||constitutions]].
- Australian Parliament makes laws for territories.
- The Australian Capital Territory is unique in Australia because its parliament combines the responsibilities of both a local and state government.
Local government
- The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national voice of local government, representing 537 councils across the country.
- Also referred to as Councils or Shires
- There are 128 local councils in New South Wales.
- The Mayor is the head of the local council.
- Local Government operates under State Government legislation and can only make rules (called by-laws) on local issues.
Responsibilities of Local Government
- Dog / cat registration
- Libraries
- Parks
- Rubbish collection
- Sewerage
- Streets and bridges
- Swimming pools
- Town planning