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Australia is divided into six states and two internal territories, with a further six external territories. The states and territories are the second level of government division in the Commonwealth of Australia, between the federal government and local governments. Each state and internal territory has its own legislature, although the Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation. The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. The two internal territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which contains Canberra, the nation's capital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Federated States | 6 |
| Federated States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Number of Federal Territories | 10 |
| Internal Territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Northern Territory |
| External Territories | Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island |
| Self-Governing Territories | All except Jervis Bay Territory |
| Number of Levels of Government | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Australia has six states and two territories
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Each state and territory has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which contains Canberra, the nation's capital.
The states are partially sovereign, administrative divisions that are self-governing polities, having ceded some sovereign rights to the federal government. They have their own constitutions, legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies that administer and deliver public policies and programs. Territories, on the other hand, are legally subordinate to the federal government, but they can still be autonomous and administer local policies and programs much like the states in practice.
The state of New South Wales (NSW) is known for its indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. The nation's biggest city, Sydney, is located on the shores of Port Jackson in NSW. Queensland (QLD) is known as the "Sunshine State" due to its subtropical climate and is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands. South Australia (SA) is a laid-back destination with a thriving arts scene and is known as the "Festival State," hosting over 500 events and festivals each year.
Tasmania (TAS) is an island state separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. It offers dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and winding rivers within its vast wilderness. The capital, Hobart, is a cosmopolitan city with a range of regional towns, food and wine trails, and family activities. Victoria (VIC) is the cultural heart of Australia, with incredible museums and galleries, the Grampians National Park, and the Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road. The state's capital, Melbourne, has been named the "Most Liveable City in the World" multiple times due to its diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere.
Western Australia (WA), the largest state, is situated on the west coast of the country and offers a diverse range of attractions, including the Kimberley Region, Rottnest Island, and the Margaret River region. The capital, Perth, is known for its serene beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is unique as its parliament combines the responsibilities of both a local and state government. It blends nature and culture, with monuments and museums alongside glistening lakes and wild wetlands.
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The states originated as separate British colonies
Australia is a federation of six states and two territories. The six federated states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
The first British colony in Australia was established in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson on the lands of the Eora people. This colony, known as the penal colony of New South Wales, was established as part of the British Empire. Over time, other Australian colonies were established, which eventually became the modern states of Australia.
The process of colonisation involved the dispossession and displacement of Aboriginal Australians, who had lived in the continent for thousands of years. The Proclamation of Governor Bourke in 1835 reinforced the doctrine that Australia was terra nullius, or empty land, when the British arrived in 1788. This proclamation asserted that the Crown had beneficial ownership of the land and that British subjects could not obtain title to land from Aboriginal Australians.
In the mid-19th century, autonomous parliamentary democracies began to emerge in the six British colonies. The movement towards federation gained momentum, with nationalists advocating for a unified Australian identity. Referendums were held in the colonies, and in 1899, all resulted in votes in favour of federation. The federation Bill was passed by the imperial parliament in London on July 5, 1900, and gained Royal Assent on July 9, 1900. On January 1, 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed, marking the birth of modern Australia.
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Each state has its own constitution and government
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own constitution and government, making them partially sovereign and self-governing. They have their own legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies, allowing them to administer and deliver public policies and programs.
The state of New South Wales, for example, encompasses the iconic Sydney and offers a range of experiences, from indulgent wine regions to pristine seaside villages and mountain wilderness. Queensland, known as the "Sunshine State," boasts a subtropical climate and attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.
Victoria, with Melbourne as its cultural hub, stands out for its museums, galleries, and the Grampians National Park. The state of Western Australia, the largest in the country, offers diverse attractions such as the Kimberley Region and the renowned wine and surf region of Margaret River.
Tasmania, an island state separated from the mainland, presents a mix of breathtaking beaches, mountains, and rivers. Its capital, Hobart, offers a blend of cosmopolitan charm and regional exploration. South Australia, known for its laid-back atmosphere, is a destination for relaxation, wine trails, and a thriving arts scene, earning it the title of the "Festival State."
While each state has its own government, they operate within the framework of the Australian federal system, where power is shared between the federal and state governments. The Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation in specific areas, as outlined in Section 51 of the Constitution. This interplay between federal and state powers is often referred to as the division of powers, ensuring effective governance in Australia.
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The Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory on the Australian mainland. The remaining seven are external territories. Every state and internal territory has its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system, while the rest have local government status overseen by federal departments.
The states are partially sovereign, administrative divisions that are self-governing, with their own constitutions, legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies. Territories can be autonomous and administer local policies and programs much like the states in practice, but they are still legally subordinate to the federal government.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory operate indistinguishably from the states, with representation in Parliament and the Senate. However, they do not have constitutional status as states, and their legislation can be overridden by the Federal Parliament. In the self-governing territories, the Australian Parliament retains the full power to legislate and can override laws made by the territorial institutions, although this is rarely done in practice.
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Australia also administers external territories
Australia is divided into six federated states: New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia. In addition to these states, Australia also administers ten federal territories, seven of which are external territories. These external territories include:
The Ashmore and Cartier Islands
The Ashmore and Cartier Islands were accepted by Australia in 1934 and were annexed to the Northern Territory before the adoption of the Statute of Westminster in 1942, which came into effect in 1939. Thus, the islands became a part of Australia.
The Australian Antarctic Territory
The Australian Antarctic Territory is governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
Christmas Island
Christmas Island, along with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, is one of the Indian Ocean Territories. It is one of the most unique places on the planet, offering natural attractions such as some of the world's best diving spots and an annual crab migration.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,936 kilometres northwest of Perth and 1,270 kilometres southwest of Jakarta, Indonesia. They are known for their relaxing beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the fascinating Cocos Malay culture.
The Coral Sea Islands
The Coral Sea Islands are situated in an area of approximately 780,000 square kilometres in the Coral Sea, extending from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Although uninhabited, Heard Island and McDonald Islands are considered a part of Australia by the central government. These islands are also governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is an external Australian territory in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,600 kilometres northeast of Sydney. It is one of Australia's most geographically isolated communities and oldest territories. Norfolk Island's status is controversial, with the government taking measures to integrate the territory into Australia, including providing representation in parliament and implementing compulsory voting. However, the Norfolk Islanders have not formally consented to this change and assert that they are not Australian.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has six federated states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Australia has ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The remaining seven are external territories.
States are partially sovereign, self-governing administrative divisions that have their own constitutions, legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies. Territories are legally subordinate to the federal government and rely on federal legislation and financial contributions to operate.
