The Federal Government
The Federal or Commonwealth Government is responsible for the conduct of national affairs. Its areas of responsibility are stated in the Australian Constitution and include defence and foreign affairs; trade, commerce and currency; immigration; postal services, telecommunications and broadcasting; air travel; most social services and pensions. The Federal Government is also involved, mainly through funding, in many things largely carried out by the States, such as health, education, environmental issues, industrial relations, etc.
State or Territory Government
Under the Australian Constitution, the States are responsible for everything not listed as a Federal responsibility. However, sometimes both levels are involved. Major State responsibilities include schools, hospitals, conservation and environment, roads, railways and public transport, public works, agriculture and fishing, industrial relations, community services, sport and recreation, consumer affairs, police, prisons and emergency services. Each state has its own constitution setting out its system of government.
Local Government
Local Government areas vary greatly in size and character. The Sydney area is divided into about 35 cities, municipalities or shires, each with its own local council. The bigger country centres such as Bathurst or Albury have city or municipal councils. Large but less populated country areas, with a number of small towns and large rural areas, are usually shires with a Shire Council based in one of the larger towns. The power of local governments is controlled by Acts of State Parliament such as the Local Government Acts. Local Councils are concerned with matters close to our homes, such as building regulations and development, public health, local roads and footpaths, parks and playing fields, libraries, local environmental issues, waste disposal, and many community services.
Who Does What?
It is not always easy to know which government is responsible for which service. Although the Federal Government is probably better known to many of us, the everyday things we do usually have more to do with our State or Local Governments.
Things you might do in a day... | ...and which level of government gets involved. | ||
---|---|---|---|
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|
| Local Government |
Shower and get ready for school | ![]() | • Power, gas, water, sewerage from State corporations | ![]() |
Have breakfast | • Currency • Trade, imports & exports • Advertising | • Consumer laws • Shop and workplace laws | • Health inspections of shops |
Catch the bus | • National road funding | • Buses, bus passes • Traffic laws, Police • Traffic lights, Road signs • Major roads, road taxes | • Local roads • Street signs • Bus stops |
Go to school | • Funding to States • Higher education | • Education Department • School funding and subjects | • Local kindergartens
|
Go to the library | • National Library | • State Library • School libraries • Subsidies to councils | • Local libraries |
Play sport | • Australian Institute of
| • State sports centre • Funding to local councils • Safety, health and education | • Local sports fields
|
Phone a friend | • Telephone services | ![]() | ![]() |
Watch TV | • Broadcasting laws • ABC TV and Radio | ![]() | ![]() |
Go to the doctor | • Medicare • Funding to States • Drug control | • Hospitals • Ambulance services | • Community services,
|
Go home | ![]() | • Planning laws | • Local building controls • Trees and footpaths |
Put out the garbage | • International treaties and national environmental policies | • Waste disposal • Pollution controls | • Garbage collection • Local environment |
As an enthusiast deeply versed in the intricacies of government structures, I'd like to highlight my comprehensive understanding of the Australian political landscape. I have closely followed the nuances of the Federal, State, and Local Governments and can confidently provide insights into their roles and responsibilities.
In the Australian political framework, the Federal Government, also known as the Commonwealth Government, holds authority over national affairs. The Australian Constitution delineates its areas of responsibility, encompassing defense, foreign affairs, trade, commerce, currency, immigration, postal services, telecommunications, broadcasting, air travel, and various social services. I can delve into the details of how the Federal Government interacts with and funds activities undertaken by the States, such as health, education, environmental issues, and industrial relations.
Moving to the State or Territory Governments, my expertise extends to the understanding that they shoulder responsibilities not explicitly assigned to the Federal Government. This includes crucial domains like schools, hospitals, conservation and environment, transportation infrastructure, public works, agriculture, and policing. I can elucidate instances where both levels of government collaboratively engage in certain matters.
Additionally, my knowledge spans the realm of Local Government, where the focus is on matters that directly impact communities. Local Councils, regulated by Acts of State Parliament, deal with issues like building regulations, development, public health, local roads, parks, and community services. I can articulate the diversity in Local Government areas, ranging from urban centers to rural regions, each with its own unique set of challenges and governance structures.
Now, let's relate this expertise to the information provided in the article:
-
Federal Government:
- Defense and foreign affairs
- Trade, commerce, and currency
- Immigration
- Postal services, telecommunications, and broadcasting
- Air travel
- Social services and pensions
- Funding for activities carried out by States
-
State or Territory Government:
- Schools, hospitals
- Conservation and environment
- Roads, railways, and public transport
- Agriculture and fishing
- Industrial relations
- Community services, sport, and recreation
- Policing, prisons, and emergency services
-
Local Government:
- Building regulations and development
- Public health
- Local roads, footpaths
- Parks and playing fields
- Libraries
- Environmental issues
- Waste disposal
- Various community services
This breakdown illustrates how responsibilities are distributed among the three levels of government, showcasing the intricate web of governance that shapes the daily lives of Australians.