POLITICAL SYSTEM

Australia's system of government is based on the liberal democratic tradition, which includes religious tolerance and freedom of speech and association. There are three tiers of government: Federal, State and Local.

Federal Parliament has two houses, The House of Representatives (Lower House), and The Senate (Upper House). Federal Parliament's responsibilities include international relations, taxation, social security, immigration, and some industrial relations.

State Parliaments vary somewhat and each have their own constitution. The responsibilities of State Government include education, transport, water, corporations law and industrial relations.

The head of government, the Prime Minister is not directly elected by the people, but is chosen by the Federal Lower House. The Prime Minister selects the members of Cabinet, which is the key decision-making body of government.

The Head of State is the British Monarch who is represented in Canberra by the Governor General, and by Governors in each state.

Voting for both State and Federal elections is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18. Non-Australian citizens are not eligible to vote.