October 2013

Australian Government
Background
Following British settlement in 1788, the Westminster model was used as the basis of government in the six separate colonies established across the continent in the 19th century. When those colonies met to discuss the formation of a national government in 1890 they opted for a relationship between the national and state governments similar to that of the United States (Government of AU).

Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of Australia is currently Tony Abbott. The Prime Minister is elected by the Parliament and then appointed by the President of the Republic. Abbotts responsibilities include directing government work, overseeing direction and consideration of the government business, and securing government agreement among the parties. If the Prime Minister is unable to perform his or her duties, they are assumed by the Minister.

The Constitution
The constitution vests the executive government of a government general, Queen Elizabeth of England, but they are exercised by tradition on behalf of the elected government. The constitution can only be changed on a national referendum and with a majority vote from four of the six states.

State and Local Government

Each state has its own governor along with an upper and lower house of Parliament. They all operate on a cabin government similar to the British. The six states contain more than 850 local governments controlled by elected councils and are regulated by state Acts of Parliament. Finance for their activities is increasingly obtained through grants.

Different Political Parties

Australian Labor Party Coalition Australian Greens Palmer United Party Liberal Democratic Party Family First Party Katters Australian Party Democratic Labor Party