How the Australian Government Works

Three levels of government - Federal (Commonwealth): defence, immigration, foreign affairs, currency - State and territory: schools, hospitals, police, public transport - Local: rubbish, parks, building approvals, local roads

Federal Parliament Federal Parliament has two houses. The House of Representatives has 151 members elected from single-member electorates. The Senate has 76 senators — 12 from each state and 2 each from the ACT and Northern Territory.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet The Prime Minister is the leader of the party (or coalition) with majority support in the House of Representatives. The Cabinet is the senior group of ministers who decide government policy.

The Governor-General The Governor-General represents the King of Australia and performs ceremonial and constitutional duties, including giving Royal Assent to laws passed by Parliament.

How a law is made A bill is introduced in Parliament, debated and voted on in both houses, then signed into law by the Governor-General. Citizens can influence laws by voting, writing to MPs, or joining public consultations.