Victoria (Australia)

Victoria is a state located in the south-eastern corner of Australia. It is the smallest mainland state in area, but the most densely populated and urbanised. Victoria began as farming community in the 1800s, until the discovery of gold transformed it into a leading industrial and commercial centre. In 2005, Victoria's population reached 5,012,700 - making it the second most populous Australian state, after New South Wales. Melbourne is Victoria's capital and largest city, with more than 70 per cent of all Victorians living there.

Government

Victoria has a parliamentary form of government, based upon the Westminster System. Legislative power resides in the Parliament consisting of the Governor (the representative of the Queen), the executive (the Government), and two legislative chambers. While Queen Elizabeth II is Victoria's head of state, it is in practice a ceremonial role.

Related Topics:
Westminster System - Queen Elizabeth II

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Parliament of Victoria consists of the lower house Legislative Assembly, the upper house Legislative Council and the Queen of Australia. Eighty-eight members of the Legislative Assembly are elected to four-year terms from single-member electorates. The Legislative Council consists of 44 members elected to eight-year terms from 22 two-member electorates. Legislative Council elections are staggered so that half the members face election every four years.

Related Topics:
Parliament of Victoria - Legislative Assembly - Legislative Council - Queen of Australia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Premier of Victoria is the leader of the political party or coalition with the most seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Premier is the public face of government and, with Cabinet, sets the legislative and political agenda. Cabinet consists of representatives elected to either house of parliament. It is responsible for managing areas of government reserved for the states by the Australian Constitution, such as education, health and law enforcement.

Related Topics:
Premier of Victoria - Cabinet - Australian Constitution

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Governor of Victoria has a ceremonial role representing Queen Elizabeth II. The post is usually filled by a retired prominent Victorian. The governor acts on the advice of the Premier and Cabinet.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Victoria has a written constitution. Enacted in 1975, but based on the 1855 colonial constitution, it establishes the parliament as the state's supreme law-making body. The Victorian Constitution can be amended by the parliament without voter approval.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From November 2006, Victorian voters will elected members to the upper house under a revamped system. The Legislative Council will consist of 40 seats, with five representatives each elected from eight new multi-member districts. Minor parties are expected to benefit most from the changes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Politics

The Australian Labor Party, Liberal Party of Australia and National Party of Australia are Victoria's major political parties. Traditionally, Labor is strongest in Melbourne's inner, working class and western suburbs. The Liberals' main support lies in Melbourne's more affluent eastern and outer suburbs, and some regional centres. The Nationals are strongest in Victoria's regional and rural areas.

Related Topics:
Australian Labor Party - Liberal Party of Australia - National Party of Australia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~