Government and Parliament

The official Commonwealth of Australia Budget web site.

The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. Includes a link to Australia’s Constitution pocket edition : with overview and notes by the Australian Government Solicitor (92KB PDF).

A guide to the structure, organisations and key people in the Australian Government. Provides contact details for the Commonwealth Parliament, the Courts, the Governor-General and senior staff in Australian Government departments and agencies.

Describes the powers, practices and procedures of the Australian Parliament, Executive Government including the Ministry, the Governor-General and the Queen, and the Judiciary.

Explores the concept of democracy in the Australian context.

Contains the complete text of A Guide to Government and Law in Australia by Dr John Hirst, an exploration of the history, structure and operations of Australian democracy. Written largely for teachers and older students.

The Australian Government assists local governments to manage their own futures, including providing essential services and developing effective planning initiatives.

The Australian Government administers the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, and the Jervis Bay Territory. The Department also manages the Government's interests in the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.

Australia has three levels of law-making – sometimes referred to as three levels of government – that work together to provide Australians with the services they need.

Outlines the basic features of Australia's federal system of government. It also covers Commonwealth elections, the party system and provides details of the Ministry, and of the state and territory political leaders.