Australia is divided into six states:

• New South Wales,
• Victoria,
• Queensland,
• South Australia,
• Western Australia and
• Tasmania –
• and two territories;
• The Australian Capital Territory
• And the Northern Territory.

The states and territories each have a capital city.

State governments are modelled on the British Westminster Parliamentary system. Each state has a premier who is the leader of the political party in power. All states have an executive council consisting of the governor, state premier, and selected ministers.

State parliaments deal with domestic affairs such as education, transport, law enforcement, health services and agriculture as well as sharing mutual responsibilities with the Federal parliament.

The powers and responsibilities of local governments vary from state to state. However they encompass community matters such as urban planning, roads, water resources, parks and recreation grounds, and public libraries.