|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOCATION & MAPS: - Where is Victoria? - Distance guide - Map of Victoria - Street directories
FACTS & FIGURES:
WEATHER:
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
DRIVING:
VISITOR INFO:
SHOPPING:
COMMUNICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
GOVERNMENT: |
Structure of the government Victoria's state government is modelled on the British Westminster system. It is based in Melbourne which is the capital city of the state.The Parliament of Victoria is a two house structure comprising of:
The parliament has the power to define laws for the state, except in areas which are under the jurisdiction of the federal government of Australia. Elections State elections are held every fourth year on the last Saturday in November. The last state election was held on Saturday 27th November 2010 and next state election is expected to be held on Saturday 29th November 2014.Voting is compulsory and generally all Australian citizens 18 years or over must enrol to vote. The party or coalition who wins the most seats in the Legislative Assembly (lower house) is invited to form government, with their leader becoming the premier of Victoria. Leadership of Victoria Victoria gained independence from New South Wales in 1851. Until government was formed four years later, the governor-general of New South Wales appointed lieutenant-governors to Victoria to head the state. Captain Charles La Trobe become the first appointed to this role, succeeded by Sir Charles Hotham in 1854.Parliamentary government was formed in 1855 and William Haines became the first premier of Victoria on the 30th of November 1855. Victoria's 10 longest serving premiers are listed below.
See also the full list of Victorian premiers from 1855 to the present day. Note that some premiers have served multiple non-sequential terms. Current premier of Victoria
Political parties in Victoria Prior to the late 1890s, there was no formal political party system in Victoria, with government ministries formed on the basis of personal or factional loyalties.A number of political parties have representation within the current Victorian government. Lower house:
Upper house:
Governor of Victoria The governor is the Queen's official representative in Victoria and is appointed by the Queen on direct advice of the current premier of Victoria.The main role of the governor is to act impartially to ensure that Victoria's democracy, which includes the government, parliament, state elections and the courts, works properly and in accordance with Victoria's Constitution. In practice, the role of governor these days is largely symbolic and ceremonial. The governor speaks for the Victorian community at events which require non-political representation, and the governor interacts with the community to encourage attitudes of cohesion and mutual respect. The governor also builds relationships with international leaders and welcomes them to the state if they visit. Victoria's longest-serving governor was Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks, who held the position for around 13½ years between 1949 and 1963. Victoria's 28th and current governor is Alex Chernov who was appointed to the role on 8th April 2011. For more information, see the Governor of Victoria.
Further information Looking for information regarding any aspect of the State Government of Victoria? Telephone the state government call centre on:1300 366 356 The experienced telephone staff will either answer your query directly or connect you to the right person. |
Advertise - About us - Contact us - Privacy - Terms of use
© 2004-2012. Travel Victoria - www.travelvictoria.com.au - Victoria, Australia
