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Commonwealth
Head of State
Governor-general
Leader of Government
Prime Minister
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Parliaments and Local Councils
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Senate
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House of Representatives
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Terms of Members of Parliament/ Council
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State Senators: 6 years;half retire every 3 years.
Territory Senators: Same as House of Representatives i.e., up to
3 years.
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Up to 3 years.
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Number of Members
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76. Twelve from each State, 2 from each Territory. Each State and
Territory serves as a multi-member constituency.
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150 elected from single-member Divisions (as at the 2004 election).
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Electoral Legislation
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'Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918', and 'Referendum (Machinery Provisions)
Act 1984'.
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Same as Senate
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Voting Systems (definitions)
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Proportional representation- single transferable vote and above
the line voting.
Full Preferential
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Full Preferential
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Enrolment and Voting Eligibility
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Compulsory enrolment and voting for Australian citizens 18 years
and over who have lived at their present address for one month.
British subjects who were on the roll immediately before 26 January
1984.
Enrolment for 17 year olds so that they can vote when they reach 18 years.
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Redistribution Provisions and Frequency
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The Constitution and the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
(i) If the enrolment in at least one third of the Division in State/Territory
is more than 10% above or below the average enrolment for the State/Territory
for a period of more than 2 months;
(ii) If the number of members to be chosen in State/Territory alters;
or
(iii) If a period of 7 years has passed since the last redistribution.
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Joint Rolls Arrangements between Commonwealth,
States and Territories
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The Joint Arrangements (JRAs) are bilateral agreements between
the Commonwealth and each State/ Territory to provide a single form and procedure for electoral enrolment. Most JRAs also provide for the maintenance
of a joint electoral roll, for Commonwealth, State/ Territory and
Local Government.
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Funding, Donations and Disclosure Provisions
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At the 2001 federal election, funding of approximately $1.79 per
House and Senate vote was granted to candidates and Senate groups
who received at least 4% of the formal first preference vote. This
level of funding is indexed to the CPI. Disclosure of certain financial
details is required by candidates, registered political parties
and other groups in returns filed with the AEC.
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Interesting and Particular Features
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Legislative power to provide international electoral assistance.
Special arrangements apply for Antarctic voters.
The Division of Kalgoorlie is believed to have the largest land area in the world for an electoral area.
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