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How is the Australian Government formed? · 1 min read

How is the Australian Government formed?

After a federal election, the Australian Government is generally formed by the party or coalition of parties with the majority of members in the Houses of Representatives. The leader of this party becomes the leader of the Australian Government: the Prime Minister.

After a federal election, the party or coalition of parties with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives forms the Opposition. Its leader is called the Leader of the Opposition.

The Prime Minister recommends members of the House of Representatives or Senators to become ministers in the Australian Government. The Governor-General approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and ministers.

Government ministers are responsible for an area of government (called a portfolio), such as employment, Indigenous Affairs or the Treasury. Ministers with the most important portfolios make up the Cabinet, which is the key decision making body of government.

Test yourself on this topic

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

  1. 1. A minister is put in charge of employment. What is this area of government called?

    • A constituency
    • A coalition
    • A portfolio
    • A commission

    Explanation: Each minister looks after one area of government, such as employment or the Treasury, and that area is called a portfolio.

  2. 2. After a federal election, who generally forms the Australian Government?

    • The party or coalition with the largest number of Senators in the Senate
    • The party or coalition with the majority of members in the House of Representatives
    • The party or coalition holding the most seats in the state parliaments
    • The party or coalition chosen by the Governor-General after the votes are counted

    Explanation: Government is formed by whoever holds a majority in the House of Representatives, either alone or as a coalition.

  3. 3. The Prime Minister may recommend which TWO groups of people to become ministers?

    • Members of the House of Representatives
    • Premiers of the state governments
    • Mayors of the local councils
    • Senators of the Australian Parliament

    Explanation: Ministers are chosen from the members of the Australian Parliament, that is from the House of Representatives or the Senate.

  4. 4. What is formed by the party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives?

    • The Ministry
    • The Cabinet
    • The Opposition
    • The Senate

    Explanation: The second largest group in the House of Representatives becomes the Opposition.

  5. 5. What title is given to the leader of the party or coalition that forms the Opposition?

    • The Deputy Prime Minister
    • The Leader of the Opposition
    • The Governor-General
    • The Leader of the Senate

    Explanation: Just as the winning side has a Prime Minister, the second largest group in the House of Representatives has a Leader of the Opposition.

  6. 6. Who approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and the ministers?

    • The Leader of the Opposition
    • The Cabinet
    • The state premiers
    • The Governor-General

    Explanation: The Prime Minister recommends the ministers, but the Governor-General formally approves the appointments.

  7. 7. Who becomes the Prime Minister of Australia?

    • The longest serving member of the Australian Parliament
    • The member of Parliament with the largest personal vote
    • The leader of the party that forms the Australian Government
    • The leader of the party with the second largest number of seats

    Explanation: The Prime Minister is the leader of the winning party or coalition, and so leads the government.

  8. 8. Who makes up the Cabinet, the key decision making body of government?

    • The senior members of the Opposition party
    • All the members of the House of Representatives
    • The ministers who hold the most important portfolios
    • The public servants who work for the government

    Explanation: The Cabinet is the small group of ministers with the most important portfolios, and it takes the key decisions.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet