Australia's System of Government

**Three levels of government** Australia has **three levels of government**: **1. Federal (Commonwealth) Government** Located in Canberra. Responsible for national matters including: defence, foreign affairs, immigration, trade, income tax, social security, and communications. **2. State and Territory Governments** Each state and the ACT and NT have their own parliaments. Responsible for matters including: hospitals, schools, roads, public transport, police, courts and local government. **3. Local Government (councils)** Responsible for local matters including: roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds, libraries, local planning, rubbish collection and some community services. **The Australian Constitution** The **Australian Constitution** is the set of rules by which Australia is governed. It established the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 and can only be changed by a **referendum** — a national vote in which Australian citizens decide whether to change the Constitution. **Three arms (branches) of government** **Legislative power** — makes the laws — the Parliament (the King, the Senate and the House of Representatives) **Executive power** — puts the laws into practice — the Governor-General and government ministers **Judicial power** — interprets and applies the laws — the courts (including the High Court of Australia)