12.5.4
Local government services
Local government is not in the Constitution, but local government is a feature of Australian governance. Local councils work closely with their communities. They provide the everyday services that keep our neighbourhoods functional and fun places to live. City and town councils handle things like: • parks and recreational facilities, such as swimming pools and sports grounds • town planning • rubbish removal
FIGURE4 Public swimming pools are valuable facilities provided by local councils.
• maintenance of local streets • libraries and kindergartens.
12.5.5 Working together While each level of government has its own responsibilities, they often need to work together on major projects or challenges. This cooperation helps deliver better results for communities. Examples of this cooperation include: • building major roads, which involves planning and funding from all levels of government • managing emergencies, which requires coordinated responses • environmental protection, which often crosses government boundaries • major events, like the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics, which need support from everyone. Sometimes governments disagree about who should pay for services, which level is responsible, how to solve problems and what communities need most. These disagreements are normal in a democracy and can lead to better solutions through discussion and compromise. 12.5.6 The separation of powers The British colonised Australia, so the new Australian government copied the British system, called ‘Westminster’. The Westminster system is old and has rules to keep things fair. One rule is the ’separation of powers’. This means the government has three parts: making laws, carrying out laws and enforcing laws. Each part has its own tasks and doesn’t interfere with the others.
SkillBuilder discussion Investigating contemporary Civics and Citizenship issues 1. How is the Prime Minister
FIGURE5 Our parliamentary system comes from Westminster, a part of London where the British Parliament meets.
chosen in Australia’s Westminster system?
2. What role does the
Governor-General have in Australia’s Westminster system? 3. How does responsible government work within Australia’s Westminster system?
456 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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