1 Politics of Australia A Presentation from Katharina Harnisch A Presentation from Katharina Harnisch

2 In general - Australia never had a „declaration of independence“ - it was a process that Australia got its independence - immigration dressed the way to become a nation - from “nation to independence“ - all Australian institutions are based on those of Britain

3 Short review - Britain had the control on foreign affairs, advocacy and external trade - in 1898 the colonies planned a federation of the Australian states - Republicans flourished in 1890s: many Australians wanted a republic (ARM = Australian Republican Movement started)‏ - 1. Jan. 1901: Commonwealth of Australia (= federation of the states)‏

: Australian Act = Australia got the rights for self-government by Britain - queen backed the „republic of Australia“ (royal seal of approval)‏ - republicans against conservatives : Australia voted with 55% for the monarchy

5 Today - federal constitutional monarchy - federal constitutional monarchy - top of the constitutional system: Queen of England - on federal level: bicameral system: Senate, House of representatives Senate, House of representatives

6 Legislature: Government Departments Commonwealth Parliament: According to the constitution of Australia Legislature: Government Departments Commonwealth Parliament: According to the constitution of Australia executive: federal executive power = Governour-General, government Departments executive: federal executive power = Governour-General, government Departments judiciary: High court of Australia and other federal courts judiciary: High court of Australia and other federal courts

7 - every state has its own parliament (largely own legislation) legislation) - party with majority support forms government and its leader becomes Prime Minister - Prime Minister: head of government, receives commission by the General Governour

8 - major political groups: Australian Labor Party, opposition: Liberal Party + National Party - major political groups: Australian Labor Party, opposition: Liberal Party + National Party - others are: the Greens, Australian Democrats - others are: the Greens, Australian Democrats - Voting is compulsory - ARM is still active today Other informations

9 Australia and Britain political ties with Britain are still very strong: political ties with Britain are still very strong: - Australia and Britain are members of the „Commonwealth of Nations“ - Australia is influenced by british culture - a long trade relationship; still today - Britain: largest investor in Australian manufacturing industry (means: many jobs)‏ - Defence relationship

1010 Australia and Asia - long history of engagement - relationship has many aspects: politic, economic, social,culture, military, security social,culture, military, security - Asia takes over 50% of Australia´s exports - Asialink and AustralAsiaCenter

1 Information source: Australia I The New Summit