Australian Politics

Australian Politics

By Korrina Davis

Multiple Choice

What name do we give to Australia’s head of government?

• Prime Minister

• King/Queen

• President

• Supreme Leader

What is the name of our current PM?

Multiple Choice

When was Australia's last Federal election?

• 2025

• 2023

• 2021

• 2005

Multiple Choice

Is it compulsory for Australian citizens to vote in the election?

• YES

• NO

Have you voted in an election before?

Do you think having the right to vote is important?

Multiple Select

Who are Australia's two main political parties? (select all that apply)

• Liberal

• Greens

• Australia United

• Labor

• One Nation

Poll

What are the most important Australian election issues for you?

• Climate change and environment

• War - Ukraine, Gaza

• Immigration and student visas

• Cost of living and housing affordability

• Public services - healthcare, education

Political Information

Australia is a parliamentary democracy. This means that Australians participate in how the country is run and how Australian society is represented. The Australian constitution sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. The Prime Minister is the head of government. King Charles III is Australia’s constitutional head of State, represented through the Governor General.

Open Ended

Australia has three levels of government. What are they?

Australia has 3 levels of government: Federal, State, Local Council

Federal Government

• ​taxation

• the economy

• immigration and citizenship

• employment

• education

• health

• telecommunications

• ​social security

• defence forces

• trade

• relations with other countries (foreign affairs)

State and Territory Government

• Hospitals

• Schools

• Railways

• Roads

• Forestry

• Police

Local Government

• ​local environmental issues

• street signs & traffic controls

• parks, playgrounds, swimming pools & sports playgrounds

• food inspection

• noise control

• rubbish collection

• building permits

• local roads, bridges and walkways

Two Houses of Government

​has 76 senators with equal representatives from each State and Territory. Senator’s debate current issues, consider proposed new laws (bills), reports and papers presented by ministers. The Senate primarily functions as the house of review and can reject any bill proposed by the Lower House after review and debate. The Senate therefore works as a powerful check on the government of the day. In an election you vote for the party you would like to represent you in the Senate.

Senate

has 150 members who each represent voters living in a particular area (electorate). In an election you vote for the person you want to represent your electorate in the House of Representatives. The leader of the political party that wins the majority of seats in the House of Representatives becomes the Prime Minister.

House of Representatives

Multiple Choice

Who is this?

• Leader of the Liberal Party

• Prime Minister (Leader of the Labor Party)

• Leader of the Greens Party

Multiple Choice

Who is this?

• Leader of the Liberal Party

• Prime Minister (Leader of the Labor Party)

• Leader of the Greens Party

Multiple Choice

Who is this?

• Leader of the Liberal Party

• Leader of the Labor Party

• Leader of the Greens

Task

Take a look at the policies of the 3 major parties online.

Discuss with the person next to you: is there a group in society who is not representation by any of these parties?​