Power Distribution in the Australian Government: Federal, State, Local

Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy with three tiers:

Federal (Commonwealth)

• Head of State: King (represented by Governor-General).
• Parliament: Senate (76) + House of Reps (151).
• Exclusive Powers (s.51, 52 Constitution): Defence, foreign affairs, trade, immigration, currency, postal, telecommunications, marriage, census.

States (6) & Territories (2)

• Each has Governor, Premier, Parliament.
• Residual Powers: Health, education, transport, police, justice, local government, environment.
• Concurrent powers (e.g., taxation) – federal law prevails if conflict (s.109).

Local (560+ councils)

• Created by state acts; responsible for roads, waste, parks, libraries, planning, building permits.
• Funded by rates, grants, fees.

Changing the Balance

Constitutional amendment requires national referendum (double majority). High Court interprets division.