
Australia has a total of six state and two territory governments. Each state and territory government has its own executive government, legislature, and judicial system, with the exception of Jervis Bay Territory. The state and territory executives decide on policy and new laws, including how to put state or territory laws into action. The Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation, and the federal High Court of Australia acts as the final court of appeal for all matters.
| 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 |
| Number of State and Territory Executive Governments | 6 states and 2 territories |
| State Executive Governments | Made up of a premier and state ministers |
| Territory Executive Governments | Made up of a chief minister and territory ministers |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia has 6 states and 2 territories
- Each state has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary and law enforcement
- The 2 territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory
- The 6 states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia
- The states and territories are the second level of government in Australia

Australia has 6 states and 2 territories
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own government and unique characteristics. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, allowing them to administer and deliver public policies and programs.
The two territories, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, are legally subordinate to the federal government but still have a degree of autonomy. The head of government in these territories is called the "chief minister." The Australian Capital Territory, home to the nation's capital Canberra, combines the responsibilities of both local and state governments.
Each state and territory has an executive government, consisting of a premier or chief minister, respectively, and state or territory ministers. These ministers are elected members of their respective parliaments and play a crucial role in deciding on policies and implementing laws.
The states and territories offer a diverse range of experiences, from New South Wales' wine regions and beaches to Queensland's subtropical climate and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. South Australia is known for its laid-back atmosphere, while Tasmania, an island state, boasts breathtaking landscapes and vast wilderness. The Northern Territory showcases quintessential Australia, with its iconic Uluru, sublime landscapes, and rich Aboriginal culture.
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Each state has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary and law enforcement
Australia has six federated states: New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary, and law enforcement.
The states are partially sovereign, administrative divisions that are self-governing polities, having ceded some sovereign rights to the federal government. Each state has a local government Act that provides the rules for the creation and operation of councils. While these Acts vary from state to state, they generally cover how councils are elected and their power to make and enforce local laws, known as by-laws.
State executive governments are made up of a premier and state ministers. These ministers are elected members of the state parliament, coming from the party or coalition of parties that form the government in the lower house. State executives decide on policy and new laws, including how to put state laws into action.
Each state has its own judicial system, which is subject to appeal to the federal High Court of Australia, which acts as the final court of appeal for all matters and has the authority to override any state judiciary.
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The 2 territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory
Australia has 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 six states, Australia also has 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 Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory parliaments are unicameral, meaning they have one house called the Legislative Assembly. The Australian Capital Territory is unique in Australia because its parliament combines the responsibilities of both a local and state government.
The head of government of the self-governing internal territories is called the "chief minister". The chief minister of the Northern Territory, in normal circumstances, whoever controls the legislative assembly, is appointed by the administrator.
The Northern Territory is a must-visit for those wishing to see quintessential Australia, including sublime landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. The Northern Territory is home to Darwin, the capital city, and some of the country's most famous national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park.
The Australian Capital Territory, on the other hand, is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and is home to the nation's capital, Canberra. The territory boasts some of Australia's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House.
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The 6 states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own government and unique characteristics. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own legislature, executive government, and judicial system, although the Federal Parliament can override state laws and the High Court of Australia acts as the final court of appeal.
New South Wales, the first state to have a majority Labor government, boasts a diverse range of attractions, from its famous seaside city of Sydney to its mountain wilderness and wine regions. Queensland, known as the "Sunshine State," is a traveller's paradise with its subtropical climate, the iconic Great Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree Rainforest, and Whitsunday Islands. Queensland also works closely with the federal government to protect and preserve the marine environment.
South Australia, often called the "Festival State," offers a laid-back atmosphere with its thriving arts scene and over 500 annual festivals. It is also known for its renowned wine regions, including the Barossa Valley. Tasmania, an island state separated from the mainland, boasts breathtaking landscapes with its dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque rivers.
Victoria, one of the six states, is known for its diverse attractions, ranging from cosmopolitan cities to lush rainforests and sun-soaked coasts. Western Australia, the final state, offers a unique mix of environments and cultures, from its stunning wine regions to its captivating outback landscapes. These six states form the backbone of Australia's diverse and vibrant culture, each contributing its own distinct flavour to the nation's rich tapestry.
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The states and territories are the second level of government in Australia
Australia has six states and two self-governing territories, which are the second level of government in the country. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two self-governing territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Each state and internal territory has its own legislature and judicial system, although the Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation. The Federal High Court of Australia acts as the final court of appeal for all matters and has the authority to override any state judiciary.
The states are partially sovereign, administrative divisions that are self-governing, although they have 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.
The territories can also be autonomous and administer local policies and programs, but they are still legally subordinate to the federal government. The head of government of the self-governing territories is called the "chief minister". The chief minister of the Northern Territory is appointed by the administrator, who is usually the leader of the legislative assembly.
The state executive governments are made up of a premier and state ministers, while the territory executive governments consist of a chief minister and territory ministers. These ministers are elected members of the state or territory parliament and come from the party or coalition of parties that form the government in the lower house.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 6 state governments in Australia.
There are 2 territory governments in Australia.
The 6 states in Australia are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
The 2 territories in Australia are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.










































