12.5.2 Federal government powers Section 51 of the Constitution tells us what the federal government oversees and lists the areas it manages. These national responsibilities help keep our country united and working together. The legal term for these responsibilities is ‘ speciýc powers ’, and they include: • trade and commerce with other countries • postal and telephone services • the defence forces • quarantine regulations • immigration and emigration issues • weights and measures used in Australia • the banking and currency systems • relationships with other countries (through our embassies and diplomats).
SkillBuilder discussion Investigating contemporary Civics and Citizenship issues 1. What would it be like to have different currencies for each state and territory? 2. How would this impact our daily lives?
FIGURE2 The federal government controls the issuing of currency to ensure the same money is used throughout Australia.
12.5.3 State and territory powers Any area of government not included in Section 51 remains the responsibility of state parliaments. State and territory governments deliver many of the services we use every day. They also make important decisions about how these services work in their areas. State and territory governments are responsible for: • health and hospitals • police and emergency services • primary and secondary education • transport, including public transport, road rules and road construction. The powers that remain with state parliaments are known as the ‘residual powers’.
FIGURE3 The provision of essential services such as ýreýghting is the responsibility of state governments.
TOPIC12 Government and democracy 455
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