Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is a union of six states and ten territories, including three internal territories and seven external territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory, while the external territories include the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Norfolk Island. Each state and territory has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and attractions, from rolling deserts to lush rainforests and vibrant cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Federated States | 6 |
| Federated States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Number of Federal Territories | 10 |
| Federal Territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Northern Territory, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island |
| Number of Internal Territories | 3 |
| Internal Territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Northern Territory |
| Number of External Territories | 7 |
| 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 Status | Each state and internal territory (except Jervis Bay Territory) is self-governing with its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system |
| Legislature | Each state and internal territory (except Jervis Bay Territory) has its own legislature, although the Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation |
| Judiciary | The federal High Court of Australia acts as a final court of appeal for all matters, and has the authority to override any state judiciary |
| Governance of External Territories | Most external territories are subject to the judiciary and legislature of either a state or internal territory. Excluding the Heard Island and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory, the external territories are governed by the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The enactment of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 established the framework for self-government in the ACT. The first election for the 17-member Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly was held on 4 March 1989. The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory, or the ACT Legislative Assembly, is the unicameral legislature of the Australian Capital Territory. It sits in the Legislative Assembly Building on Civic Square, close to the centre of the city of Canberra.
The ACT operates indistinguishably from the states, with representation in the Parliament and the Senate. However, it does not have constitutional status as a state, and territorial legislation can be overridden. The territory is home to many important institutions of the federal government, national monuments, and museums. These include the Parliament of Australia, the High Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia.
The territory also includes the Namadgi National Park, which comprises the majority of the land area. The overwhelming majority of the territory's population resides in the city of Canberra in the territory's northeast. The territory also includes some towns such as Williamsdale, Oaks Estate, Uriarra, Tharwa, and Hall.
Tosa Ban: Australia's Strict Stance on Japanese Breed
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![from unincorporated territory [lukao]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719TH1uzjfL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Northern Territory
The economy of the Northern Territory is largely based on mining and petroleum, which during 2018-2019 contributed 23% of the gross state product, or $5.68 billion, accounting for 92. In the early 21st century, increased mining activity significantly strengthened the economy. The Victoria River Downs Station, 686 kilometres (426 mi) west of Darwin, was at one time the largest cattle station in the world. Gold was found at Grove Hill and Pine Creek, and copper was found at Daly River.
The archaeological history of the Northern Territory may have begun more than 60,000 years ago when humans first settled this region of the Sahul Continent. From at least the 17th century, Makassan traders began a relationship with the indigenous people of the Northern Territory around the trading of trepang (sea cucumber) for Chinese markets. The coast of the Territory was first seen by Europeans in the 17th century, and the British were the first Europeans to attempt to settle the coastal regions. After three failed attempts to establish a settlement (1824-1828, 1838-1849, and 1864-1866), success was achieved in 1869 with the establishment of a settlement at Port Darwin.
Australia's Historic Ban on Leaded Fuel: A Timeline
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Australia [Region 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AW8466zIL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Australian Rules [Region 4]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71A7of9rAiL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Jervis Bay Territory
Australia has six states and two territories. Jervis Bay Territory is an internal territory of Australia, one of three internal territories, the others being the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Jervis Bay Territory is administered by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government, but it is a completely separate territory.
Jervis Bay was sighted by Lieutenant James Cook aboard HMS Endeavour on 25 April 1770, and he named the southern headland Cape St George. In 1791, Lieutenant Richard Bowen, aboard the convict transport ship Atlantic, part of the Third Fleet, sailed into the bay and named it in honour of Admiral John Jervis, under whom he had served. In 1915, the land now comprising the Jervis Bay Territory was surrendered to the Commonwealth Government by the state of New South Wales. This was because the federal government wanted to build a seaport for the new capital at Canberra, which is inland and therefore required a separate port.
Jervis Bay is a popular destination for recreational fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and scuba diving. It is also well-known for its summer holidays, and tourists flock to the stunning white sand beaches. The territory has a population of 391, with a median age of 32. 52.4% of the population is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and the most common ancestries are Australian, English, and Australian Aboriginal.
Basmati Rice in Australia: Where Does It Come From?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
External Territories
Australia has six states and two internal territories, but it also administers several external territories. The external territories are offshore dependent territories that are governed by the Federal Government. They are subject to the judiciary and legislature of either a state or internal territory.
The seven external territories of Australia are:
- Ashmore and Cartier Islands
- Australian Antarctic Territory
- Christmas Island
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Coral Sea Islands
- Heard Island and McDonald Islands
- Norfolk Island
The Australian Antarctic Territory covers nearly 5.9 million square kilometres, about 42% of Antarctica. However, this claim is only recognised by France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Antarctic territorial claims are generally not recognised by the international community.
EastEnders: Australia's Delay and What It Means
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Australian Antarctic Territory
The AAT consists of all islands and territories south of 60 degrees south latitude and between 44/45 degrees east longitude and 160 degrees east longitude. This area includes the French sector of Terre Adélie, which comprises the islands and territories between 136 degrees east longitude and 142 degrees east longitude.
Australia's claim to sovereignty over the Australian Antarctic Territory is recognised by only four other countries: the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, and Norway. Antarctic territorial claims are generally not recognised by the international community.
Lemons in Australia: A Seasonal Harvest Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia has six states and two internal territories. There are also seven external territories.
The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
The internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory.
The external territories are Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island, and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Each state and internal territory (except Jervis Bay Territory) is self-governing with its own government, legislature, and judicial system. The external territories are governed by the federal government, except for Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and the Australian Antarctic Territory, which are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
