Australian Politics

Australia is a parliamentary democracy. This means that Australians participate in how the country is run and how Australian society is represented. The Australian constitution sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. The Prime Minister is the head of government. King Charles III is Australia’s constitutional head of State, represented through the Governor General.

• ​taxation

• the economy

• immigration and citizenship

• employment

• education

• health

• telecommunications

• ​social security

• defence forces

• trade

• relations with other countries (foreign affairs)

• Hospitals

• Schools

• Railways

• Roads

• Forestry

• Police

• ​local environmental issues

• street signs & traffic controls

• parks, playgrounds, swimming pools & sports playgrounds

• food inspection

• noise control

• rubbish collection

• building permits

• local roads, bridges and walkways

​has 76 senators with equal representatives from each State and Territory. Senator’s debate current issues, consider proposed new laws (bills), reports and papers presented by ministers. The Senate primarily functions as the house of review and can reject any bill proposed by the Lower House after review and debate. The Senate therefore works as a powerful check on the government of the day. In an election you vote for the party you would like to represent you in the Senate.

Senate

has 150 members who each represent voters living in a particular area (electorate). In an election you vote for the person you want to represent your electorate in the House of Representatives. The leader of the political party that wins the majority of seats in the House of Representatives becomes the Prime Minister.

House of Representatives

Take a look at the policies of the 3 major parties online.

Discuss with the person next to you: is there a group in society who is not representation by any of these parties?​