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How is Australia governed? · 1 min read

The Australian Government

Government minister A Member of Parliament chosen by a government leader to be responsible for an area of government

Member of Parliament (MP) An elected representative of the people in the Australian Parliament or a state parliament

Senator An elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament

Mayor or Shire President The leader of a local government

Councillor An elected member of a local council

The Australian Government is also called the Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government. The Government is made up of members of the Australian Parliament, which has two Houses:

• the House of Representatives

• the Senate.

In a federal election, Australian citizens vote to elect representatives to each House of Parliament.

Test yourself on this topic

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

  1. 1. By which other names is the Australian Government known?

    • The Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government
    • The Royal Government or the Crown Government
    • The State Government or the Shire Government
    • The National Council or the People's Government

    Explanation: All three names refer to the same national government of Australia.

  2. 2. In the Australian Parliament, who does a senator represent?

    • A single federal electorate
    • A state or a territory
    • A local government area
    • A political party only

    Explanation: Senators are elected to speak for a whole state or territory, not for one small area.

  3. 3. What do Australian citizens do in a federal election?

    • Vote to choose the King's representative in their own state
    • Vote to elect representatives to each House of Parliament
    • Vote to choose the Governor-General for a fixed term
    • Vote to elect their local councillors and their mayor

    Explanation: A federal election fills seats in both Houses of the Australian Parliament.

  4. 4. What is a government minister?

    • A public servant hired to manage a government department
    • A Member of Parliament responsible for an area of government
    • An elected member of a city or shire local council area
    • An official chosen by the King to advise the Parliament

    Explanation: Ministers are chosen from Members of Parliament by a government leader and each takes charge of one area of government.

  5. 5. Which TWO Houses make up the Australian Parliament?

    • The House of Councillors
    • The House of Governors
    • The House of Representatives
    • The Senate

    Explanation: The Australian Parliament has two Houses, and members are elected to both of them.

  6. 6. Who is a Member of Parliament (MP)?

    • An elected representative of the people in a federal or state parliament
    • An elected member of a local council in a shire or city
    • A person appointed by the Prime Minister to advise the Parliament
    • A public servant who writes the new laws for the Parliament

    Explanation: MPs are elected by the people and sit in the Australian Parliament or in a state parliament.

  7. 7. Who is the leader of a local government?

    • The Premier or Chief Minister
    • The Governor or Administrator
    • The Mayor or Shire President
    • The senator for that area

    Explanation: Local government is led by a Mayor or a Shire President, depending on the area.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet