Politics of Australia

The politics of Australia take place within the framework of parliamentary democracy. The government of Australia is a federation, and Australians elect state and territory legislatures as well as a bicameral Parliament of Australia. The Federal Parliament operates according to the Westminster System of government, though the fact that it has an elected Senate (like the United States) rather than a House of Lords has led to Australia's federal parliamentary system being described as the "Washminster" system. (See Main article: Government of Australia).

Related Topics:
Politics - Australia - Parliamentary democracy - Federation - Bicameral - Parliament of Australia - Westminster System - Senate - United States - House of Lords - Government of Australia

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At the national level, elections are held at least once every three years. The Prime Minister can advise the Governor-General to call an election for the House of Representatives at any time, but Senate elections can only be held within certain periods prescribed in the Constitution. The last general election was in October 2004.

Related Topics:
Prime Minister - Constitution - October - 2004

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In the states and territories, elections are held at least once every four years (except in Queensland, which has three-year terms). In New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, election dates are fixed by legislation. However, the other state premiers and territory Chief Ministers have the same discretion in calling elections as the Prime Minister at the national level. (See Main articles: Australian electoral system, Electoral systems of the Australian states and territories).

Related Topics:
States and territories - Queensland - New South Wales - Victoria - South Australia - Australian Capital Territory - State premiers - Australian electoral system - Electoral systems of the Australian states and territories

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Regional or local government within each state is handled by Local Government Areas and unlike other equivalent forms of local government such as those of the United States, have relatively little power compared to the state governments (See Main article: Local government in Australia).

Related Topics:
Local Government Area - United States - Local government in Australia

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