About Australia
Australian 3 Levels of Government
Australian 3 Levels of Government
Every state and territory in Australia has three levels of government besides the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which is governed by the legislative assembly.
Federal Government
- a legislative function (making laws);
- a representative function (representing the interests of voters and citizens);
- forming a government to administer laws and managing the affairs of the Commonwealth; and
- a scrutiny and accountability function (questioning the government to see if it is doing a good job).
State/Territory Government
State/territory government responsibilities include everything not listed as a federal responsibility in the Constitution, including:
- hospitals and schools;
- emergency services;
- law and order;
- public transport; and
- the distribution of water, gas and electricity.
Local Government
Every state/territory (except the ACT) has a separate system of local government. States and territories have local government regions are known as councils, shires, boroughs, or municipalities. Each is administered by a council which makes decisions on local, town or city matters. In addition to receiving federal and state grants, local government authorities also raise money from their residents, usually through rates and other fees and charges. Local governments do not have the power to raise taxes.