Western Australia

Western Australia is Australia's largest state, covering the western most third of the mainland, bordering South Australia and the Northern Territory. It is, after Sakha in Russia, the second largest subnational entity in the world.

Government

Main article: Government of Western Australia

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With the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, Western Australia became a State within Australia's federal structure; this involved ceding certain powers to the Commonwealth (or Federal) government in accordance with the Constitution; all powers not specifically granted to the Commonwealth remained solely with the State, however over time the Commonwealth has effectively expanded its powers through increasing control of taxation and financial distribution.

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The State legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Legislative Assembly (or lower house), and the Legislative Council (or upper house). Suffrage is universal for Australian citizens residing in Western Australia over 18 years of age.

Related Topics:
Legislative Assembly - Legislative Council

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Whilst the sovereign of Western Australia is the Queen of Australia (Queen Elizabeth II), and executive power nominally vested in her State representative the Governor (currently John Sanderson until August 2005, to be replaced by Governor-elect Ken Michael), executive power is effectively administered by the premier and ministers. The premier (currently Geoff Gallop) and ministers are drawn from the party or coalition of parties holding a majority of seats in the lower house of Parliament.

Related Topics:
Queen Elizabeth II - Governor - John Sanderson - Ken Michael - Geoff Gallop

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Interestingly, in a referendum in April 1933, 68% of voters voted for the state to leave the Commonwealth of Australia with the aim of returning to the British Empire as an autonomous territory. The State Government sent a delegation to Westminster, however the British Government refused to intervene and therefore no action was taken to implement this decision.

Related Topics:
Referendum - 1933 - British Empire - Westminster

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