Australia has three tiers of government
- Federal Government – elections every three years – next due to be held 3 May 2025.
- NSW State Government – elections every four years.
- NSW Local Council (Local Government Authority [LGA]) – elections every four years.
The Federal Government is made up of the following:
House of Representatives (Lower House, House of Reps or House) –
Members represent 151 electorates from all over Australia for a three-year term. Based on population, NSW elects 47 members.
Any Member can propose a new law (bill), but most are introduced by the Members of the party in government, currently the Labor Party. The House considers new and existing laws, and makes amendments or changes, before all Members vote on passing the law. Prime Ministers always come from the House of Reps.
The Senate (Upper House)
76 senators represent their State or Territory. Senators are elected for a six-year term, and half the senators are up for election every three years at the same time as the House of Representatives. NSW has 12 senators and six will be elected in 2025.
The Senate scrutinises, or reviews, bills, delegated legislation, government administration and policy, making amendments or blocking bills from the House of Reps.