11. Federalism

Snapshot: Can federal–state cooperation save the Murray Darling?
A distinctively Australian federalism—Examining Commonwealth–State tensions—Understanding Australian federalism

1. What are the main differences between States and Territories?

2. What are some of the areas in which States and Territories cooperate in order to develop nationally coherent regulation? Do you think that there are other areas that would benefit from such cooperation?

3. Do you think that federalism is an effective system of government for Australia? What are some of the problems and/or advantages of federalism as it operates in Australia? What are some of the arguments for and against retaining the current ‘layered’ system?

4. Outline some of the ways in which the Federal government can influence State and Territory government policy.

5. Australia’s system of government incorporates both federalism and elements of the British Westminster system. What are the tensions between these systems? Is the so-called hybrid a successful one? Why or why not?

6. Discuss the 1975 constitutional crisis in the context of federalism. How does the Whitlam dismissal illustrate the tensions outlined in the previous question?

7. Discuss the role of the Senate. In what ways does it complement or restrict the operation of the House of Representatives?

Resources

Australian Government (Links to Federal, State and Territory Government websites)

‘Australian Federalism: the role of the States’ The Federal-State Relations Committee 1998 report

Michael Keating, John Wanna & Patrick Weller, Institutions on the Edge pp126-132
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