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Aussie As

What each level of government does

Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 29 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.

  • Although some responsibilities may overlap, generally each level of government provides different services.
  • Australian (federal) Government: taxation, national economic management, immigration and citizenship, employment assistance, postal services and communications, social security (pensions, family support), defence, trade and commerce, airports and air safety, foreign affairs.
  • State and territory governments are primarily responsible for: hospitals and health services, schools, roads and railways, forestry, police and ambulance, public transport.
  • Local governments (and the ACT Government): street signs and traffic controls, local roads, footpaths, bridges, drains, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, sports grounds, camping grounds, food and meat inspection, noise and animal control, rubbish collection, local libraries, halls, some child- and aged-care, building permits, social planning, local environment.

Our Common Bond, p. 29

Sample practice questions

Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.

  1. 1. Which level of government is responsible for defence?

    1. State and territory governments
    2. The Australian Government
    3. Local governments
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Australian Government

    The Australian Government is responsible for defence.

    Our Common Bond, p. 29

  2. 2. Which level of government is responsible for building permits?

    1. The Australian Government
    2. Local governments
    3. The Governor of each state
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Local governments

    Local governments are responsible for building permits.

    Our Common Bond, p. 29

  3. 3. Which level of government is responsible for camping grounds and caravan parks?

    1. Local governments
    2. The Australian Government
    3. The Governor of each state
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Local governments

    Local governments are responsible for camping grounds and caravan parks.

    Our Common Bond, p. 29

Practise all 25 questions on this topic

 

Practise 25 questions

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