Module 3 – Lesson 7- What do three layers of government do ?

Although there is considerable overlap, each of Australia’s three levels of government is responsible for providing separate services to the Australian people.

Foreign affairs, air travel and safety, trade and commerce, defence, Social Security, postal services and communications, employment aid, immigration and citizenship, and national economic management are all responsibilities of the Australian (Federal) Government.

State and territorial administrations are in charge of providing public transit, police and ambulance services, forestry services, road and railway maintenance, education, and hospitals and other health services.

Local governments (as well as the government of the Australian Capital Territory) are in charge of local environmental issues, social planning, building permits, some aspects of care for the elderly and children, local libraries, halls, and community centres, rubbish collection, noise and animal control, food and meat inspection, camping grounds/caravan parks, parks, playgrounds, sports grounds, swimming pools, drains, local roads, bridges, traffic controls, and street signs.