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How is Australia governed? · 1 min read

Local government

The states and the Northern Territory are divided into local government areas which may be called cities, shires, towns or municipalities. Each area has its own local council. Councils are responsible for planning and delivering services to their local community. Citizens in each local government area vote to elect their local councillors.

Test yourself on this topic

3 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. What are local councils responsible for?

    • Appointing the Governor of their own state
    • Collecting income tax for the Australian Government
    • Making the laws that apply across the whole state
    • Planning and delivering services to their local community

    Explanation: Councils plan and provide the services that people in their area use.

  2. 2. Which TWO of these names may be used for a local government area?

    • Precincts
    • Municipalities
    • Electorates
    • Shires

    Explanation: Local government areas may be called cities, shires, towns or municipalities.

  3. 3. Who elects the councillors in a local government area?

    • The citizens who live in that area
    • The mayor and the shire president
    • The premier of that state
    • The members of the state parliament

    Explanation: Councillors are chosen by a vote of the citizens living in the local government area.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet