Electoral systems of the Australian states and territories

The legislatures of the Australian states and territories all follow the Westminster model described in the Australian electoral system. When the Australian colonies were granted responsible government in the nineteenth century, their constitutions provided for lower houses (Legislative Assemblies) elected by the people from single-member constituencies, with all adult males able to vote. This was considerably more democratic than the system which existed in Britain at that time. To balance this democratic element, however, the Legislative Councils which had existed before responsible government were retained as upper houses, whose members were either nominated by the Governor or elected on a restricted franchise. This ensured that the upper houses were dominated by representatives of the wealthy.

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For elections to the Australian Parliament, see the Australian electoral system.

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