Damon Mcknight
Australia is divided into six states and two internal territories, with a further 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, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory, while the external territories include the Australian Antarctic Territory and Norfolk Island. Each state and internal territory has its own legislature and judicial system, though the federal government can override territorial laws. The states originated as separate British colonies before Federation in 1901.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states | 6 |
| Names of states | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Number of territories | 10 |
| Names of internal territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Northern Territory |
| Names of 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 capital cities | 8 |
| Governance | Each state has its own legislature, executive government, and judicial system |
| Population | 79% of Australians live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory |
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What You'll Learn
The six states of Australia
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each state having its own legislature, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. The six states of Australia are:
New South Wales (NSW): The state is known for its wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. The nation's largest city, Sydney, is located on the shores of Port Jackson in NSW. The state also boasts the Sapphire Coast to the south, the Central Coast to the north, and the Blue Mountains to the west.
Queensland (QLD): Nicknamed the 'Sunshine State', Queensland is a subtropical region in northeast Australia. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands. Its capital, Brisbane, enjoys a warm and sunny climate, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports.
South Australia (SA): Known as the 'Festival State', South Australia hosts over 500 events and festivals annually. It is renowned for its wineries in the Barossa Valley and its natural attractions, including the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. Adelaide, the state capital, is a thriving cultural hub.
Tasmania (TAS): Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania is an island state known for its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness. It offers dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque rivers. Hobart, the capital, provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere alongside regional towns, food and wine trails, and family-friendly activities.
Victoria (VIC): Victoria is the cultural heart of Australia, with Melbourne as its capital. Melbourne has been recognised as one of the world's most liveable cities due to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and welcoming vibe. The state offers a mix of environments and experiences, from rolling deserts to lush rainforests and vibrant cities.
Western Australia: Western Australia, along with the other states, originated as separate British colonies before Federation in 1901. The state is partially sovereign and self-governing, with its own constitution, legislature, and executive government. It contributes to the country's diverse landscapes and unique regional identities.
In addition to these six states, Australia also has ten federal territories, including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The territories have varying levels of autonomy and governance, with some having local government status overseen by federal departments.
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Federal territories
Australia 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 remaining seven are external territories: 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.
The internal territories are largely self-governing, with their own independent executive governments, legislatures, and judicial systems. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory operate similarly to the states, with representation in the Parliament and the Senate. However, they do not have constitutional status as states, and their legislation can be overridden by the Federal Parliament and the federal High Court of Australia.
The external territories, on the other hand, are governed differently. Most external territories are subject to the judiciary and legislature of either a state or an internal territory. The Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and the Australian Antarctic Territory are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The remaining external territories are governed by the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Each external territory is regulated by an Act of the federal Parliament, which determines its legal and political structure.
The Northern Territory (NT) is known for its iconic landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park are some of the country's premier national parks located in the NT. The Ashmore and Cartier Islands were accepted by Australia in 1934 and annexed to the Northern Territory before the adoption of the Statute of Westminster in 1942. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands voted for integration in 1984 and, along with Christmas Island, comprise the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.
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Internal territories
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 states, Australia also has ten federal territories, out of which three are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory.
The states and territories are the national subdivisions and second level of government of Australia. The states are partially sovereign, administrative divisions that are self-governing polities, ceding 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 can be autonomous and administer local policies and programs much like the states in practice, but are still legally subordinate to the federal government. Every state and internal territory (except the Jervis Bay Territory) is self-governing with its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Northern Territory, for the most part, operate indistinguishably from the states. They have representation in the Parliament and the Senate, even though they do not have constitutional status as states, and territorial legislation can be overridden.
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External territories
Australia has ten federal territories, seven of which are external territories. These external territories are non-self-governing dependencies of Australia and are regulated by an Act of the federal parliament. They consist of innumerable small reefs, cays, and atolls, as well as several remote and diverse islands.
The external territories of Australia are:
- Ashmore and Cartier Islands: The smallest external territory of Australia, covering only 2 square kilometres. They were accepted by Australia in 1934 and were annexed to the Northern Territory before the adoption of the Statute of Westminster in 1942.
- Australian Antarctic Territory: Covering almost 5.9 million square kilometres, it is the largest external territory of Australia. It includes all claimed islands and territories other than Adélie Land, situated south of latitude 60° S between longitude 45° and 160° E.
- Christmas Island: This territory is the most northerly of the Australian external territories, located only 10° south of the equator and 1565 kilometres northwest of the Australian mainland. Together with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, they comprise the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Consisting of 27 islands in two atolls, these islands voted for integration with Australia in 1984.
- Coral Sea Islands: These islands were originally part of Queensland and are scattered over 400,000 square kilometres in the Coral Sea.
- Heard Island and McDonald Islands: Transferred from Britain to Australia in 1947, these islands are 4100 kilometres southwest of Perth and are treated as constitutionally part of Australia.
- Norfolk Island: This territory is considered controversial as its residents have not formally consented to being integrated into Australia and assert that they are not Australian.
Most of the external territories are governed by the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts. However, the Heard Island and McDonald Islands, along with the Australian Antarctic Territory, are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
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Regional centres
Australia is divided into six states and two internal territories, with a further 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, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory.
The Australian Senate uses states and territories for electoral purposes, while the House of Representatives breaks the country into divisions. Each state has its own legislature, executive government, and judicial system, although the Federal Parliament and High Court can override these.
The term 'Regional Australia' is a socio-geographical definition used to describe populated regions outside of metropolitan areas, typically the capital city of each state or territory. These regional centres are used for censusing and promoting urbanized settlements in economically significant rural regions, particularly for managing immigration and foreign labour. Regional centres are often used to promote economic development and growth in these rural areas.
The Australian government offers incentives to those who work in specified industries in these regional centres, such as plant and animal cultivation, fishing, mining, or construction. Working in these industries in regional areas can lead to extra points when applying for a resident visa, and can also make it easier to renew a working holiday visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has six 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 other seven are external territories: 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.
Regional Australia is a socio-geographical term used to describe populated regions outside of major metropolitan areas (usually the capital city) in each state or territory. These are used for censusing and promoting urbanized settlements, which are known as regional centres.
