Australia's political system

Australia is a representative democracy in which all Australian citizens of 18 years and above are legally required to vote. This helps to ensure that all voices are heard.

Major features of this system are:

• an elected parliament (legislature);
• government chosen from parliament;
• government answerable to parliament for its actions and for those of the public (government employed) sector;
• parliament is the ultimate power able to impose laws that override actions of the government or courts (although in Australia this doctrine of the `supremacy of parliament' is qualified by the Constitution and its interpretation by the High Court);
• some government actions require approval of parliament (e.g. new legislation, tax, expenditure) and others not (e.g. declaring war, international agreements); and
• Queen Elizabeth II (in her capacity as Queen of Australia) as the Head of State, is represented by the Governor-General or State Governors.

This democratic system encompasses the ideals of religious tolerance and freedom of speech and association. Many of our institutions and practices are drawn from British and North American models but are uniquely Australian.

There are many excellent sources to learn more about Australia’s political system, including those listed below:

Australasian Legal Information Institute
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Australian State and Territory Parliaments

New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory