Australia: Geopolitical Framework

System of Government

Australia is founded in the liberal democratic tradition which is based on the values of religious tolerance, freedom of speech and association, and the rule of law. Australia’s institutions and practices reflect both British and North American models. The Commonwealth of Australia was created in 1901 when the former British colonies agreed to federate. Australia’s government is primarily based on popularly elected parliament with two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Ministers appointed from these chambers conduct executive government, and policy decisions are made in Cabinet meetings. Apart from these decisions, Cabinet discussions are not disclosed. The ministers are bounded by the principle of Cabinet solidarity, which closely mirrors the British model of Cabinet government responsible to parliament.Even though Australia is an independent nation, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is also formally the Queen of Australia. The Queen appoints a Governor-General to represent her and the Governor-General has wide powers, but acts only on the advice of ministers on virtually all matters.

"The Australian Coat of Arms signifies the national unity
of Australia and is a sign of its identity and authority"

(Picture taken from: http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/House_of_Representatives/Powers_practice_and_procedure/00_-_Infosheets/Infosheet_20_-_The_Australian_system_of_government )

Independence
Although Australia became it's own country in 1901, it is unknown when it actually became independent, both legally and politically. Some say that Australia didn't obtain its independence until it adopted the Westminister Act in 1942. Although the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia came in effect, this did not mean it was independent from Britain. When the United Kingdom approved colonial federation, that meant that the six self-governing states of Australia now had some functions to a federal authority. On March 3, 1986 Australia final reached the next stage of independence when the Australian Acts came into effect. These Australian Acts stated that Australian had the status of Sovereign, Independent and Federal Nation.