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    1. Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT)
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    5. Coral Sea Islands Territory (CSIT)
    6. Heard Island and the McDonald Islands
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Australia - Constitution

Under the Australian constitution, the legislative power of the Commonwealth of Australia is vested in the Parliament of the Commonwealth, which consists of the monarch, the Senate (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (the lower house). Queen Elizabeth II is represented by a governor-general who holds the office for a five-year term. The Senate comprises 76 senators, 12 from each of the six states, and two from each of the two territories. Senators are directly elected for six years; half the Senate retires every three years. The House of Representatives comprises 150 members directly elected; elections – using the preferential voting system – for both houses are held simultaneously at a maximum of three-year intervals. There is compulsory universal suffrage for all Australians over the age of 18. All amendments to the constitution must be passed by absolute majority in both houses. There must then be a referendum in every state.

Areas of authority of the federal government are defined in the constitution as defence, foreign policy, immigration, customs and excise, and the post office. Other powers (justice, education, health and internal transport) are the responsibility of the state governments. During the Second World War, a temporary arrangement was made whereby the federal government would collect taxes and refund the states using an agreed formula. This arrangement has become permanent, leaving the states financially dependent on the federal government.

Each of the states also has its own government, with a governor representing the Queen. Five states have bicameral legislatures, and Queensland has a single chamber. The federal government is responsible for administration of the Australian Federal Territory and, since 1978, Northern Territory has had a degree of self-government.