Government & Democracy
The three levels of government
Australia has three levels of government: federal (national), state or territory, and local (councils). Each level has its own responsibilities, from defence and immigration to schools, hospitals, roads and rubbish collection.
Key facts
- ◆ Federal government handles national matters like defence, immigration and trade.
- ◆ State and territory governments run schools, hospitals and police.
- ◆ Local councils manage rubbish, local roads, parks and building approvals.
- ◆ Each level is elected separately by the community it serves.