Since 1 January 1901, Australia has been a federation of six states. In 1911 two territories, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, were transferred to the Commonwealth from New South Wales and South Australia.
This federal system of government is based on British-derived parliamentary institutions (the Westminster system) and American-derived federal arrangements. Under this system, government in Tasmania is exercised at three levels:
Commonwealth Government, with authority based on a written constitution and centred in Canberra
State Government, with residual powers (powers not reserved for the Commonwealth), and centred in Hobart
local government, with authority derived from state Acts, and operating in 29 subdivisions of the state.
SUMMARY GOVERNMENT STATISTICS, Tasmania - 2005
|
| Commonwealth Government |  |
| Senate | 12 Tas. representatives |
| House of Representatives | 5 Tas. representatives |
 |  |
| State Government |  |
| Governor | Mr William Cox |
| Premier | Mr Paul Lennon |
| Legislative Council | 15 members |
| House of Assembly | 25 members |
| Ministry | 8 members |
|  |
| Local government |  |
| Local government authorities | 29 |
|
Source: Department of Education; Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia; Parliament of Australia; and Department of Premier and Cabinet.
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