Australia's System of Government
Australia is a constitutional monarchy and a representative parliamentary democracy.
Head of State vs Head of Government
- Head of State: King Charles III is Australia's monarch. Because the King lives in the UK, he is represented in Australia by the Governor-General at the federal level, and by a Governor in each of the six states.
- Head of Government: The Prime Minister, who leads the government and must maintain the confidence of the House of Representatives, including through agreements with other members in a minority Parliament.
The Federal Parliament
The Parliament of Australia is bicameral (consisting of two houses):
1. House of Representatives (The Green Chamber / Lower House):
- Represents the Australian people based on population electorates.
- 150 members in the 48th Parliament (elected in 2025), each representing approximately the same number of voters.
- Government is formed by those able to maintain the confidence of this chamber.
2. The Senate (The Red Chamber / Upper House / States' House):
- Represents the states equally to safeguard state interests regardless of population.
- 76 senators: 12 from each of the 6 states, plus 2 each from the Northern Territory and ACT.
How Laws Are Made
1. A proposed law is called a Bill, introduced by a minister or member.
2. The Bill is debated and voted on in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
3. If agreed to by both houses, the Bill goes to the Governor-General for Royal Assent.
4. Once signed with Royal Assent, the Bill officially becomes an Act of Parliament (law).