How government works

Australia combines representative democracy, constitutional monarchy and federalism. Voters elect parliaments, governments remain accountable to…

The Constitution establishes the federal system and its core institutions, distributes selected powers and sets amendment rules. It is foundational, but…

The Commonwealth has powers granted by the Constitution, while states retain broad residual authority. Many real policies involve shared funding,…

Commonwealth, state or territory, and local bodies have different legal bases and responsibilities. Start with the law and funding chain rather than…

Legislative, executive and judicial functions are institutionally distinguished, but the separation is not absolute. Ministers sit in Parliament while…

The House represents electoral divisions, considers legislation, scrutinises government and determines who can command confidence to form government. It…

The Senate represents states equally, considers and amends legislation, conducts inquiries and scrutinises executive action. Government control of the…

Bicameral design combines population-based representation in the House with equal state representation in the Senate, while requiring most federal laws to…

A bill must complete parliamentary stages in both houses in the same form and receive Royal Assent. Referral, amendment, delay or rejection can change or…

Committees examine bills, public administration and policy questions in more detail than chamber debate usually permits. Their reports can inform…

Read the bill’s operative clauses alongside the existing Act it changes, then use the explanatory memorandum for intended operation and examples. The…

Privilege protects Parliament’s ability to perform its functions, including protected proceedings and powers over interference. It is not a general…

Question Time is a public accountability forum governed by chamber rules and political practice. It can expose positions and pressure ministers, but it is…

Government is formed by the person or group able to command confidence in the House of Representatives. Seat counts, agreements and formal constitutional…

A majority government controls more than half the House seats; a minority government governs with support from others; a hung parliament means no side…

The Prime Minister leads the government and exercises substantial political authority, but acts within law, Cabinet, party, parliamentary, federal and…

Ministers are politically accountable for portfolios and make authorised decisions; departments provide administration and advice under law. A minister…

Cabinet is the senior decision-making group of government, the ministry includes appointed ministers, and party caucus or party room brings together…

The Governor-General performs constitutional and ceremonial functions, usually on ministerial advice, while retaining limited reserve powers. Official…

Federal courts exercise judicial power by deciding cases within jurisdiction, interpreting law and reviewing legality. They do not provide a general…

A federal referendum can approve a proposed constitutional alteration through the required voting majorities. It does not automatically enact every later…

Follow the committee’s terms of reference, deadline and publication guidance, address the questions with relevant evidence, and identify confidentiality…