Australia has a federal system of government within which there are four divisions: Commonwealth, State, Territory and local government.
This chapter outlines the basic features of the Australian system of government, including:
- the constitutional basis of government;
- the Commonwealth Parliament;
- the Commonwealth Government;
- the Australian Public Service;
- Territory government — self-governing;
- Territory government — non-self-governing;
It also provides details of the Commonwealth Ministry, and of the State and Territory political leaders.