Government of Victoria

The form of the Government of Victoria is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1855, although it has been amended many times since then. Since 1901 Victoria has been a state of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Australian Constitution regulates its relationship with the Commonwealth.

Related Topics:
1855 - 1901 - Victoria - Commonwealth of Australia - Australian Constitution

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Under the Australian Constitution, Victoria ceded certain legislative and judicial powers to the Commonwealth, but retained complete independence in all other areas. The Victorian Constitution says: "the Legislature of Victoria has full power and authority." In practice, however, the independence of the Australian states has been greatly eroded by the increasing financial domination of the Commonwealth.

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Victoria is governed according to the principles of the Westminster system, a form of parliamentary government based on the model of the United Kingdom. Legislative power rests with the Parliament of Victoria, which consists of the Crown, represented by the Governor of Victoria, and the two Houses, the Victorian Legislative Council and the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

Related Topics:
Westminster system - United Kingdom - Parliament of Victoria - Governor of Victoria - Victorian Legislative Council - Victorian Legislative Assembly

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Executive power rests formally with the Executive Council, which consists of the Governor and senior ministers. In practice executive power is exercised by the Premier of Victoria and the Cabinet, who are appointed by the Governor, but who hold office by virtue of their ability to command the support of a majority of members of the Legislative Assembly.

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Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court of Victoria and a system of subordinate courts, but the High Court of Australia and other federal courts have overriding jurisdiction on matters which fall under the ambit of the Australian Constitution.

Related Topics:
Supreme Court of Victoria - High Court of Australia

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