Governance
The Commonwealth of Australia is an independent Western democracy with three tiers of government – federal, state and local. In terms of governance, the nation’s institutions and practices reflect British and North American models but remain uniquely Australian.
Australia and Queensland
- The Commonwealth of Australia is made up of six states and two mainland territories, with a system of government based on the liberal democratic tradition. The Federal Government is based on a popularly elected Parliament with two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Australia has a written Constitution that sets out the functions of the Australian Government. As a constitutional monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is recognised as the head of state. Her representative in Australia is Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
- The Constitution gives the Federal Government power over defence, foreign affairs, trade and commerce, taxation, customs and excise duties, pensions, immigration and postal services.
- State Governments each retain the power to make their own laws over matters not controlled by the Commonwealth. State Governments also have their own constitutions, as well as a structure of legislature, executive and judiciary.
- The current Australian Prime Minister is Julia Gillard, and the current Premier of Queensland is Anna Bligh.
- All citizens aged 18 or older must vote in Federal, State and local elections.
Political environment
- Australia is ranked as having one of the highest levels of political stability in the world.
- Australia boasts a stable, open, progressive political and regulatory framework with an efficient and transparent legal framework. Corruption levels are low, rating ahead of the United Kingdom, United States of America and most regional countries.
Brisbane
- Brisbane is one of the largest city councils in the Asia-Pacific region, and with an annual budget of $2.8 billion (AUD) and an asset base of $20 billion (AUD) it’s recognised as one of the top 150 corporations in Australia in terms of size of turnover and asset base.
- Brisbane City Council delivers core local government services including roads and infrastructure, bus and ferry services, environment protection and local parks, as well as neighbourhood planning.
- The current Lord Mayor of Brisbane is Graham Quirk.
For further information on Federal, State and local government visit the following websites: