Australia: Politic in Australia

The politics of Australia take place within the framework of a federal constitutional parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Australians elect parliamentarians to the federal Parliament of Australia, a bicameral body which incorporates elements of the fused executive inherited from the Westminster system, and a strong federalist senate, adopted from the United States Congress. Australia largely operates as a two-party system in which voting is compulsory.

Parliament House, Canberra.

The Commonwealth of Australia is made up of six states and two mainland territories. It is an independent Western democracy with almost 22 million people.

The Australian Government is based on the liberal democratic tradition, which upholds the right to freedom of speech and association and a commitment to religious tolerance.

Australia is a constitutional monarchy, recognising Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain as head of state. Her representative in Australia is the Governor-General.

The nation's political structure, as well as its legal and educational institutions, is based on British and American models. The Constitution gives the Federal Government power over defense, foreign affairs, trade and commerce, taxation, customs and excise duties, pensions, immigration and postal services while other powers are held by the States.

Political Parties

The main political parties are the Labor Party, Liberal Party and the National Party. For the last 50 years Australian politics has been dominated by two political groupings - a Conservative coalition of the Liberal and National Parties and the Labor Party. Currently, the Labor Party is in power and the coalition is in Opposition.

The current Australian Prime Minister is Julia Gillard and the Deputy Prime Minister is Wayne Swan.