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[[File:Australian_Government_-_Logo.svg|Australian Government - Logo|thumb]] '''Australian Government'''

The '''Australian Government''', also known as the '''Commonwealth Government''', is the federal government of [[Australia]], a [[parliamentary democracy]] based on the [[British]] model. The structure and responsibilities of the Australian Government are defined in the nation's constitution, which was adopted in 1901, leading to the federation of six colonies as states under a single system of government. The Australian Government is responsible for national affairs, including [[foreign policy]], [[defense]], [[trade]], [[immigration]], and [[fiscal policy]], while the states retain powers over areas such as [[education]], [[health care]], and [[law enforcement]].

==Structure==
The Australian Government is divided into three branches: the [[Executive branch|Executive]], the [[Legislature]], and the [[Judiciary]].

===Executive===
The Executive is headed by the [[Governor-General of Australia]], who represents the [[Monarch of the United Kingdom|British monarch]], and includes the [[Prime Minister of Australia]] and the [[Cabinet (government)|Cabinet]]. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the Governor-General, usually the leader of the party or coalition with the majority in the [[House of Representatives (Australia)|House of Representatives]]. The Cabinet, chosen by the Prime Minister, is primarily composed of members of the Parliament and is responsible for government policy and decision-making.

===Legislature===
The Legislature, or [[Parliament of Australia]], is bicameral, consisting of the [[Queen of Australia]] (represented by the Governor-General), the [[Senate (Australia)|Senate]], and the House of Representatives. The Senate is composed of 76 senators, twelve from each state and two from each territory, elected through a proportional representation system. The House of Representatives consists of members elected from single-member constituencies, with the number of seats allocated to each state and territory roughly proportional to its population, totaling 151 members as of the current structure.

===Judiciary===
The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and is headed by the [[High Court of Australia]], which interprets and applies the law of Australia, ensures the constitutionality of the laws passed by the Parliament, and settles disputes between the states and the Commonwealth. Other federal courts include the [[Federal Court of Australia]], the [[Family Court of Australia]], and the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia]].

==Responsibilities==
The Australian Government has exclusive powers over matters outlined in the constitution, including defense, foreign affairs, trade and commerce, immigration, and taxation. It also provides funding for national services such as [[social security]], [[health care]] through [[Medicare (Australia)|Medicare]], and [[education]] funding, although the delivery of these services is often managed by the states.

==Political Parties==
The major political parties in Australia are the [[Liberal Party of Australia]], traditionally representing business and rural interests, and the [[Australian Labor Party]], representing the urban working class. The [[National Party of Australia]], often in coalition with the Liberal Party, represents rural interests, while the [[Australian Greens]] focus on environmental issues and social justice.

==Challenges and Criticisms==
The Australian Government faces challenges such as managing the nation's response to [[climate change]], addressing indigenous rights and reconciliation with the [[Aboriginal Australians|Aboriginal]] and [[Torres Strait Islanders]] peoples, and navigating economic issues, including housing affordability and the transition to a more sustainable economy. Criticisms often focus on policies related to immigration, environmental protection, and the treatment of indigenous populations.

[[Category:Government of Australia]]
[[Category:Australia]]

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Australian Government - Revision history

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