Levels of Goverment Flashcards
What are the three levels of government in Australia?
Federal, state/territory, and local governments.
What responsibilities does the federal government have?
National defense, foreign affairs, trade, immigration, and taxation.
What responsibilities do state governments have?
Health, education, transport, and police services.
What responsibilities do local governments have?
Town planning, waste management, local roads, and community services.
What is an example of an area where federal and state laws overlap?
Environmental protection, where both levels of government can legislate.
What happens if state and federal laws conflict?
Under Section 109 of the Constitution, federal law overrides state law.
What is the Constitution’s role in defining government powers?
It outlines the division of powers between federal and state governments.
What is residual power?
Powers not listed in the Constitution, which remain with the states.
What is concurrent power?
Powers shared by federal and state governments (e.g., taxation).
What is exclusive power?
Powers that only the federal government can exercise (e.g., defense, immigration).
